Rats Trigger Health Emergency in Sarajevo

Sarajevo faces a growing health emergency as a surge in rat numbers, fueled by poor waste management and lack of pest control, leads to increased cases of rat-borne diseases such as leptospirosis.

In Sarajevo, the rodent population has reached alarming proportions, prompting local health authorities to declare an epidemic. Residents have taken to social media, sharing images of rats swimming in the Miljacka river and overflowing rubbish bins, highlighting the grim reality of inadequate waste management in Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital.

Health experts have pointed to a significant rise in diseases transmitted by these rodents, with recent reports indicating a dozen new cases of leptospirosis in just one day at the country's primary hospital. Often referred to as "rat fever," this serious illness typically spreads through water or soil contaminated with rodent urine or droppings and can lead to severe health consequences, including jaundice and kidney failure.

In response to the crisis, Sarajevo's local authorities have implemented an emergency cleanup operation, deploying additional municipal workers equipped with disinfectant to eradicate risks in public spaces. Schools are now mandated to enhance hygiene in playgrounds and surrounding areas, reflecting an urgent shift from the previous two years devoid of any pest control measures.

Officials attribute the lack of action to a failed tender process for extermination and sanitation services, which left the city vulnerable to both rat and stray dog populations. Sarajevo Canton Health Minister Enis Hasanovic has labeled this situation as more than just a health issue—it is a communal failing.

Former director of Sarajevo's University Clinical Centre, Sebija Izetbegović, warns that the situation may worsen, citing the potential rise of hantavirus due to the high rat population. While none of the current leptospirosis cases have resulted in severe illness, the potential for a grave health crisis remains a looming concern for the city's residents.