Dr. Ahmed Al-Farra, Director General of the Children’s Hospital at Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, announced the discovery of six cases of meningitis since the beginning of this month, most of which involve children from families suffering from poor nutritional conditions.

Al-Farra explained that malnutrition, weakened immunity, and conditions of forced displacement are major factors contributing to the spread of the disease. He noted that meningitis is a medical emergency affecting the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and it can be bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic, or non-infectious in origin. Its symptoms include high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, and vomiting.

Health officials in Gaza have warned of the spread of severe forms of meningitis amid critical humanitarian and health conditions, coinciding with intensified Israeli airstrikes on various areas of the Gaza Strip.