Chickenpox outbreak in Gaza camps

A chickenpox outbreak has surged in Gaza's overcrowded refugee camps, with UNICEF reporting over 9,300 suspected cases in early July, concentrated in Khan Yunis. The highly contagious disease spreads rapidly due to cramped living conditions, lack of clean water, and poor hygiene, making isolation nearly impossible. Families of 10-20 people share tents, and basic cleaning supplies are scarce. The outbreak is part of a broader public health crisis, including respiratory infections, diarrhea, and skin diseases, exacerbated by the damaged healthcare system from the two-year war between Israel and Hamas. Aid agencies warn of inadequate medical supplies and call for addressing root causes like overcrowding and sanitation.