Infected people are in intensive care and the World Health Organization believes there are likely viruses in Gaza

In Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, infant Rahaf lies in her bed in the intensive care unit at Nasser Medical Complex, connected to a ventilator. She is suffering from an undiagnosed virus and difficulty breathing.

After days of warnings from doctors in the Gaza Strip, the Ministry of Health announced at the end of last month that “a severe wave of influenza is hitting Gaza’s children and medical wards are overcrowded with infected patients.”

The World Health Organization stated that health officials in Gaza have observed an increase in cases of acute respiratory infections over the past month. Health officials have yet to accurately diagnose the pathogens due to limited laboratory capabilities.

The organization suggested that “this increase is likely due to influenza, COVID-19, and other common respiratory viruses.

Dr. Ahmed Al-Farra, director of Al-Tahrir Maternity and Children’s Hospital at Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis, confirmed that “a wave of viruses is sweeping through the Gaza Strip, including influenza.”