Epidemic still ongoing, 100 leptospirosis cases reported, garbage and dirt remain the image of Sarajevo

(Patria) - An epidemic of leptospirosis (May 23), an infectious disease transmitted by rodent urine (mice) to humans, has been declared in the Sarajevo Canton for a month.

In the past month, 101 cases have been reported to health institutions. According to data from the Sarajevo Canton Public Health Institute, 36 cases have been laboratory confirmed, while there are 65 probable cases based on the World Health Organization's definition.

The epidemic is still ongoing, garbage on the streets of Sarajevo is a daily occurrence and a source of infection. No one is commenting on the results of the spring and repeated deratization, but it is clear that the conditions for the cessation of the epidemic have not been met.

For days, we have witnessed a dirty and neglected city, piles of garbage in and around containers. It is summer and high temperatures, so an unpleasant smell is spreading through the streets of Sarajevo. Regardless of the announcements by KJKP Rad, it seems that urban hygiene is not at a satisfactory level. Street washing at night is no longer done. This is best seen in the narrower city center where traces around the trash cans are visible.

The promised press conferences by the competent cantonal institutions have not taken place, and the Sarajevo Canton Prosecutor's Office has opened a case following the outbreak of the infection.

Several orders have been issued by the Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Prosecutor's Office has had to send reminders for action on the orders.

What we know is that the absence of mandatory legal deratization contributed to the appearance of rodents. According to data from the Public Health Institute, deratization was not carried out during 2023 and in the spring of 2024, which resulted in the appearance of rodents.