Al-Shifa Hospital director warns of emergence of ‘new virus’ in Gaza
Gaza City: The director of Al-Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza, Dr. Muhammad Abu Salmiya, has issued an urgent warning regarding the spread of what he described as a “new virus” within the enclave, further straining the territory’s already devastated health system.
Dr. Abu Salmiya stated that the virus is presenting with symptoms including high fever, joint pain, runny nose, persistent cough, and prolonged diarrhea lasting more than a week. “We do not have tests to determine the cause of the virus,” he explained, noting that the outbreak is directly linked to deteriorating humanitarian conditions.
According to him, widespread malnutrition has weakened immunity levels among the population, while the absence of clean water, basic sanitation supplies, and the overcrowding of families in temporary shelters have created an environment conducive to the rapid spread of infections.
“The new virus is exacerbating the pressure on the exhausted health system,” Dr. Abu Salmiya added, highlighting that hospitals and medical facilities are struggling to cope with the surge in cases due to shortages of medicine, equipment, and trained staff.
The warning comes as the war in Gaza, described by Palestinian health authorities as a genocide, enters its 693rd day. Local reports estimate that at least 62,996 Palestinians have been killed since the beginning of Israel’s assault. Among them, 317 people are said to have died from starvation, a consequence of Israel’s blockade on the entry of humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies.
Health experts have repeatedly cautioned that Gaza faces the risk of severe outbreaks of infectious diseases due to collapsed infrastructure, malnutrition, and the destruction of water and sanitation networks. International organizations have called for urgent medical assistance and unhindered humanitarian access to prevent further loss of life.
The emergence of this unidentified virus adds to the mounting health crisis in Gaza, where hospitals are already overwhelmed by war casualties and chronic shortages. Medical professionals warn that without immediate international intervention, the situation could spiral into a large-scale epidemic.
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Woman murdered, domestic help found hanging in Bengaluru
Bengaluru (PTI): A 65-year-old woman was allegedly strangled to death, while her 50-year-old male domestic help was found dead by hanging at her house, under Mico Layout police station limits here, police said on Sunday.
As per preliminary inquiry, the domestic help is suspected to have murdered the elderly woman before committing suicide, they said.
The incident came to light when the woman's husband returned from abroad early on Sunday. The woman's 27-year-old daughter was sleeping on the first floor room of the house when the incident happened.
A case has been registered, and investigation is on, police said, adding that they are investigating all angles, including any third party involvement.
Forensics and other technical teams have visited the spot, and autopsy reports will also come, they further said.
