Israeli Army Vaccinates Soldiers Against Polio After Virus Found in Gaza Sewage
The Israeli army is taking action to protect its soldiers from polio after the virus was discovered in sewage samples from Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that they are vaccinating soldiers and have brought approximately 300,000 polio vaccines to Gaza, enough for over one million residents.
Polio is a highly contagious virus that spreads through contaminated water or food and can cause severe health problems, including paralysis and death. Although many countries have eradicated polio, it still exists in areas with poor sanitation.
Israel’s Health Ministry found evidence of poliovirus type 2 in two sewage samples from Gaza, consistent with World Health Organization test results from Egypt. Booster shots will be available for soldiers serving in Gaza, but vaccination is not mandatory.
In addition to the vaccination efforts, Israel has increased the electricity supply to Gaza to help operate sewage and water desalination systems. This move aims to improve sanitation and reduce the risk of polio spread.
In a related note, an Israeli soldier, Staff Sergeant Hanan Drori, died in December from a fungal infection contracted from contaminated soil in Gaza. The infection overpowered his organs despite experimental treatments.
Furthermore, at least 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage during Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 116 remaining hostages, more than 30 are believed to be dead.
Doubts Revealed
Israeli Army -: The Israeli Army is the military force of Israel, a country in the Middle East. They protect the country and its people.
Polio -: Polio is a disease caused by a virus that can make people very sick and sometimes unable to move their muscles.
Gaza -: Gaza is a small area of land where many people live. It is located near Israel and has had many challenges, including poor sanitation.
Sewage -: Sewage is dirty water and waste that comes from homes and buildings. It needs to be cleaned to keep people healthy.
Vaccines -: Vaccines are medicines that help protect people from getting sick by teaching the body to fight off certain diseases.
Booster shots -: Booster shots are extra doses of a vaccine given to make sure the protection against a disease stays strong.
Sanitation -: Sanitation means keeping places clean and free from germs to prevent illness. It includes things like clean water and proper waste disposal.
Electricity -: Electricity is the power that makes lights, machines, and many other things work. It is very important for modern life.
