UN warns of ‘major public health risks’ in Gaza as 83% of displacement sites report infestations

The UN on Wednesday warned of “major public health risks” facing civilians in the Gaza Strip, with rodent and ectoparasite infestations reported in 83% of displacement sites assessed earlier this month, Anadolu reports. Citing the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said during a news conference that “civilians in Gaza face major public health risks, adding to the insecurity and displacement.” “Widespread rodent and ectoparasite infestations were reported in 83% of displacement sites assessed earlier this month, and that is alongside sewage in streets, stagnant water and poor sanitation conditions,” he said, adding that humanitarians on the ground are “scaling-up rodent control this week.” “To reduce public health risks, sustained access to critical equipment […]