ISRAELI OCCUPIED GAZA, 21 Jan. - (ANA) - A rapidly spreading viral illness is sweeping across Gaza as continued Israeli bombardment further devastates the enclave’s healthcare system, doctors warn.

 

For more than a month, Gaza has been affected by what medics believe may be a mutated strain of influenza or Covid-19, with severe symptoms including high fever, widespread body pain, headaches and vomiting.

 

"Over the past weeks, a widespread increase in infections has been observed, particularly among children, especially respiratory infections," Dr Ahmed Muhanna, director of Al-Awda Hospital, told The New Arab.

 

"This is largely attributed to viral spread and can be linked to several potential factors, most notably population overcrowding, malnutrition, weakened immunity, lack of hygiene supplies, poor self-care."

 

Dr Mohammed Abu Selmaya, medical director of Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City, said the virus can persist for up to 15 days, longer than seasonal influenza, and carries serious risks for vulnerable groups.

 

"The danger lies in complications such as severe pneumonia, which can lead to death," Abu Selmaya told The New Arab. "Cases have been recorded for about a month and are steadily increasing.

 

"The danger lies in the weakened immunity of people in Gaza due to famine, malnutrition, and the lack of necessary vaccinations, which has created a serious threat to patients' lives."

 

While exact figures are impossible to verify due to the collapse of disease surveillance and reporting systems amid Israel's war on Gaza, doctors say they are witnessing a worrying rise in deaths, particularly among children, elderly patients and those with chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems.

 

"Children are the most affected, especially infants and young children," Dr Muhanna told The New Arab. "Patients with chronic diseases, malnutrition, and immunocompromised patients."

 

Doctors say the outbreak is particularly alarming because of its speed and scale.

 

"What makes this outbreak different is the speed of transmission, huge number of cases and the severity of symptoms in vulnerable groups," Muhanna said.

 

"It is also occurring in an environment of extreme overcrowding, malnutrition, and weakened immunity, which amplifies its impact compared to previous outbreaks.”

 

Treatment remains largely limited to symptomatic care, oxygen support when available, infection control measures and prioritising the most critical cases, all under the strain of continued Israeli bombardment. Repeated attacks on healthcare facilities and infrastructure have left Gaza’s health system unable to contain the outbreak.

 

"We are providing care under extremely challenging conditions, including limited medical supplies, shortages of medications, fuel, and staff, and constant security risks," Dr Muhanna said.

 

He added that Gaza’s deteriorating economic situation has left many people unable to access healthcare or afford medication.

 

"All of these factors contribute to the spread of epidemics," he said. "Deaths are increasing, especially among children, patients with chronic diseases, and those with weakened immune systems."

 

Abu Selmaya echoed those concerns, saying the shortage of medicines and medical supplies is the worst since the start of Israel’s assault on Gaza, and that there are no functioning laboratories to test suspected cases.

 

"There are victims whose lives could have been saved if vaccines and proper treatment had been made available,” he said. “We are treating patients with whatever is available in Gaza," he said.

 

Both doctors called for the urgent entry of life-saving medical aid, including medicines, medical supplies and laboratory equipment.

 

"There is an urgent need for a ceasefire to allow safe access to healthcare, the entry of medicines, medical equipment, and hygiene supplies, and support for health facilities," Dr Muhanna said.

 

"Strengthening nutrition programs, improving shelter conditions, and restoring basic health services are essential to prevent further loss of life."   - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/21 January 2026 - - -