Key facts
- The UN reported 9,300 chickenpox cases in Gaza over two weeks.
- Over half of the cases were identified in Khan Younis.
- The outbreak is linked to severe overcrowding and poor hygiene in displacement sites.
- Many households lack proper water storage, resorting to improvised solutions.
- Rodent and ectoparasite infestations are widespread in displacement sites.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported a significant outbreak of chickenpox in Gaza, with 9,300 cases recorded across more than 130 health facilities in just two weeks. Khan Younis was particularly affected, accounting for over half of these cases.
The surge in chickenpox is occurring in a context of extreme overcrowding, with approximately 1.7 million people residing in over 1,600 displacement sites. Site Management Cluster coverage remains limited, impacting essential services.
Reports from these sites indicate inadequate access to drinking water, insufficient soap, poor solid waste management, and overcrowded living conditions. These factors are exacerbated by widespread rodent and ectoparasite infestations, observed in 83% of assessed sites. Aggravating conditions include sewage in streets, accumulated waste, and stagnant water.
Health teams noted that many households are using improvised and unsafe methods for water storage, such as plastic-lined flour sacks, increasing the risk of contamination and inadequate supply.