Fighter Died after Contracting a Dangerous Fungus in Gaza

An IDF fighter who was seriously injured two weeks ago died after being infected with a dangerous fungus that is found in the soil of the Gaza Strip, as reported by Kan News journalist, Kati Dor.

According to the report, the deceased fighter arrived with serious injuries to his limbs at Assuta Hospital in Ashdod, where they identified that he had contracted treatment-resistant fungi on the battlefield. The doctors tried every possible treatment, including experimental treatments from abroad, and brought in every specialist they could. But finally the fungus spread to organs in his body.

The Chairman of the Association for Infectious Diseases and the former director of the Infectious Diseases Unit at Sheba Hospital, Professor Galia Rahav, told Kan Reshet Bet this morning that currently there are about ten fighters who were injured in Gaza and were infected with these fungi in the local soil, and that these fungi were not seen in previous wars.

According to her, the source of the infected fungi may be the contamination of the soil with sewage water. It will be checked if there is a connection to the tunnels. The Association for Infectious Diseases will hold an emergency discussion next week about these fungi, together with the IDF epidemiology experts.