Gaza hospital director warns of 'new virus' spreading across enclave

The director of Gaza's al-Shifa hospital in northern Gaza, Muhammad Abu Salmiya, issued an urgent warning on Thursday about what he described as "new virus" spreading in the enclave.

"Symptoms of the virus include a high body temperature, joint pain, a runny nose, and a cough accompanied by bouts of diarrhea lasting more than a week," Abu Salmiya said in a statement.

"We do not have tests to determine the cause of the virus," he added, but its spread is linked to "a lack of immunity resulting from malnutrition, in addition to the lack of clean water and cleaning materials, and the overcrowding of people in tents". 

"The new virus is exacerbating the pressure on the exhausted health system," Abu Salmiya said.