After the number of leptospirosis cases increased in several Sarajevo neighborhoods, the Sarajevo Canton Public Health Institute (ZZJZKS) requested the declaration of an epidemic in a limited area, emphasizing that the irregular deratization – a key factor in the spread of the infection – was due to unsuccessful tenders for the selection of contractors.
Institute Director Zlatan Hamza emphasized at a press conference today that the competent institutions have already taken measures to prevent the further spread of the infection and that the situation is continuously monitored and analyzed. He appealed to citizens to remain calm and stressed that this is not a pandemic similar to those that have caused mass panic in the past, and to monitor relevant information.
“We are taking all necessary steps, including increased disinfection and control of risk areas. Citizen cooperation is key at this stage,” said Hamza.
The Cantonal Administration for Inspection Affairs (KUIP) is also actively involved.
Doctor Anisa Bajramović, head of the Institute’s Epidemiology Unit, emphasized that this is urban leptospirosis that is not examined through classical epidemiological means, but based on reports from health institutions.
The first cases were registered at the end of April in the Aerodromsko Naselje, when a group of men reported symptoms such as high fever and weakness.
-On April 29, we received a call from a doctor from the Aerodromsko Naselje. She reported the occurrence of similar symptoms in several men. After that, we informed the Infectious Diseases Clinic and requested laboratory tests – explained Bajramović.
The first laboratory confirmations of the presence of leptospirosis arrived on May 15. The largest number of patients was recorded in the settlements of Dobrinja and Aerodromsko naselje, but cases were also reported in Alipašino Polje, Ilidža, in the municipality of Centar and the municipality of Hadžići.
The patients, mostly men between the ages of 25 and 29, stated that their basements were flooded and that an unpleasant odor was felt, and an increased presence of rodents was observed in the settlements.
“For two whole years, mandatory deratization has not been carried out in the Sarajevo Canton, and this is the direct cause of the current situation. Preventive programs provide for two deratizations per year – in spring and autumn – in order to reduce the number of rodents to a biologically acceptable level,” said Bajramović.
Regular deratization should, as a rule, be carried out twice a year, but in 2022 and 2023, deratization was not carried out in the Sarajevo Canton.
They also cited the problem of irregular garbage collection and failure to carry out deratization of the sewage network, which should be carried out in parallel with the systemic deratization.
The possibility that the city water supply is the source of infection has been ruled out, because the chlorine used destroys leptospira.
“Patients go through two phases of the disease, the first is milder, while after improvement the symptoms return, often with high fever and headache,” said Dr. Anes Jogunčić.
Leptospirosis is a rare infectious disease caused by bacteria from the genus Leptospira, and is most often transmitted by rodents. People can become infected through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or indirectly – through contaminated water, soil or food. The bacteria enter the body through damaged skin or mucous membranes, and infection is also possible by drinking contaminated water.
As announced, in the coming period, increased monitoring of all public areas, residential buildings, markets and greengrocers is planned, especially in the municipality of Novi Grad. Regular garbage collection, street and tram washing, grass cutting, and improving the hygiene of living spaces are recommended.
Declaring a pandemic would mean activating all resources, including inspections, and requiring responsible behavior from citizens.
Health authorities emphasize that the measures are already being implemented and that the first effects are expected in the next 15 to 30 days. The key recommendation to citizens is to maintain personal and communal hygiene and cooperate with the competent services.
