“It’s better late than never” is the wrong proverb when one reads about the confirmed H1N1 flu cases that have been reported in Gaza. It is not like Gaza can use any more problems, but few days Fatah linked news sites broke stories about H1N1 flu making it to the Gaza Strip. Many people were upset by this story and called Fatah news sites names which are usually not too far from the truth. But not this time, the Hamas government continued to deny the stories by claiming that Gaza is H1N1 free, until yesterday, the story changed. A third Gaza patient has passed away, his death is also linked to H1N1. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health five others have recovered from the H1N1 flu while a number of 10 to 15 cases remain under observation. The Ministry of Health maintains those who have died suffer from other complications such as lungs problems.

Many Gazans are disappointed in the H1N1 flu, as they thought the siege would keep them safe. While the reasons behind the spread of H1N2 is being investigated, people link it to the Hajj season, as more than 2500 Gazans have participated in the annual ritual–a thousand of those were invited by the King of Saudi Arabia who also covered their expenses. As I am calling people in Gaza, I learned they have kept away from those returning form Hajj out of fear they might get an infection.

The H1N1 flu is bad news and it is specially worse for Gaza, as its population density make it a nightmare to try to control the flu. There is also the limited medications available in Gaza and its health system. I am being told that most herbs and spices have also ran out in the markets due to the increased demand in the past few days. Hoping to boost their immune system with whatever they have, now people in Gaza prepare drinks with cinnamon, honey, and Anise (Aniseed).

A Palestinian human rights groups Alddameer has called on the Hamas government to remove the secrecy and make information public about all reported H1N1 cases. The Gaza government in turn has announced five confirmed cases and stated they have taken the proper procedures established by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The Gaza government also calls on the international community and especially the WHO to help them put a strategy to prevent an H1N1 outbreak in Gaza. The Gaza Ministry of interior working with the Ministry of Health have put guidelines about prevention. I doubt Gaza will see a Hand Sanitizer fad as we see here, but I pray they can control this disease.

Related posts:

1. Swine Flu – scratch that, Mexican Flu – hits Israel
2. The Gaza Memos: Unity Agreement?
3. State of Emergency in Gaza
4. The Gaza Experience: High School Uniforms
5. Cynthia McKinney and Sami al-Hajj to sail on Free Gaza boat