Gaza chickenpox outbreak strains health system

A widespread outbreak of chickenpox and other contagious skin diseases is sweeping Gaza's displaced population. Overcrowded tents, scarce clean water, collapsed sewage and a severe shortage of medicines have made isolation of infected children virtually impossible, prompting a surge in hospitalisations and threatening a health catastrophe.

Medical staff say the health system is on the brink of collapse and urge the World Health Organization and humanitarian agencies to secure urgent supplies and allow patients to travel abroad for treatment. As one mother described, her daughter “cannot sleep” from the pain, and doctors report that basic hygiene products are unavailable for families living in tents.