The Sarajevo Canton Public Health Institute has received 21 reports of leptospirosis infections as of May 23, which were confirmed in the laboratory of the University of Sarajevo Clinical Center.
“The University of Sarajevo Clinical Center provided us with information today that in the last 24 hours, five patients with clinical symptoms indicating possible leptospirosis infection were examined at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases, which were not confirmed. The day before, 13 patients were examined, two of whom remained under treatment at the Infectious Diseases Clinic of the Clinical Center,” the Institute stated.
Information on the possible number of new cases will be published tomorrow, when an infographic of the epidemic will be displayed on the website http://www.zzjzks.ba, which will be updated after all changes.
The Cantonal Ministry of Health states that they are monitoring the situation, and that citizens can find all relevant information on the websites of the Institute for Public Health and the Cantonal Ministry of Health.
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira, and is transmitted to humans indirectly through contaminated water, soil or food. The main carriers are rodents, especially rats, which excrete the bacteria in their urine. Humans become infected through contact with contaminated environments, most often through damaged skin or mucous membranes. The disease is more common in tropical regions and during the rainy season, while in temperate regions it occurs seasonally. People who live or work in humid environments are at risk – such as farmers, veterinarians, sewage workers, soldiers and fishermen. Initial symptoms resemble the flu: high fever, headache, muscle pain and red eyes. In mild cases, the disease resolves spontaneously or with therapy, while more severe forms require hospital treatment.
Complications include meningitis, jaundice, kidney failure and bleeding – the severe form is called Weil’s syndrome. The case fatality rate in severe cases exceeds 20%, while the overall mortality rate is about 1%. Historically, the disease has been known since the 19th century, and the name Weil’s disease comes from the German physician Adolf Weil. Leptospirosis has historically been the cause of local epidemics, especially after floods and in wartime conditions. Modern preventive measures include deratization, water disinfection, environmental hygiene and surveillance of disease cases. European countries apply the “One Health” approach that links human, animal and environmental health.
