Health authorities in Sarajevo Canton are facing a growing epidemic of leptospirosis, after 21 new cases of infection were reported in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of infected people to 64, the Sarajevo Canton Public Health Institute confirmed.
The day before, the number of infected people was 43, indicating a sharp increase and spread of the infection.
According to available data, three patients are currently hospitalized at the University of Sarajevo Clinical Center, while no deaths have been reported so far.
The largest number of cases from Novi Grad
The distribution of infected people by municipality shows that Novi Grad is the most affected, with as many as 51 cases. This is followed by Centar with seven infected people, Ilidža with three, Novo Sarajevo with two and Stari Grad with one case.
The majority of infected people – 50 of them – are people between the ages of 30 and 65. Eight patients are between 20 and 29 years old, five are over 66, and one person aged 15 to 19 has also been infected.
What is leptospirosis and how is it transmitted?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that is transmitted through contact with infected water or soil contaminated with the urine of rodents, most often rats. The most common sources of infection include floods, poor sewage infrastructure, and exposure to contaminated surface water.
Symptoms range from mild fever, headache, and muscle aches to more serious forms of the disease that can affect the kidneys, liver, and nervous system. In rare cases, it can be fatal if not treated in time.
Epidemic declared in late May
Due to the rapid spread of the disease, the Ministry of Health of the Sarajevo Canton declared a leptospirosis epidemic on May 23, 2025. Citizens are advised to avoid contact with potentially contaminated surface waters, to wear protective footwear when in flooded or marshy areas, and to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms.
Health inspectors and epidemiologists continue their field work to identify the source of the infection and control the spread of the infection.
