NewsBrucellosis crisis declared in Vogoszcia as rat fever spreads

Brucellosis crisis declared in Vogoszcia as rat fever spreads

In the Vogoszcia commune in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a state of natural disaster has been declared due to brucellosis, an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Brucella. Previously, in the Sarajevo canton, an epidemic of the so-called rat fever was declared.

A natural disaster in the Balkans. An infectious disease has appeared.
A natural disaster in the Balkans. An infectious disease has appeared.
Images source: © East News | PAWEL RELIKOWSKI / POLSKAPRESS
Maciej Zubel

What do you need to know?

  • Vogoszcia Commune: Authorities declared a state of natural disaster due to brucellosis, an infectious disease transmitted by animals.
  • Sarajevo Canton: An epidemic of leptospirosis, also known as rat fever, was previously declared in the area.
  • Lack of Solutions: During local government sessions, no concrete actions were taken to resolve the issue.

In the Vogoszcia commune, located near the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a state of natural disaster has been declared due to a brucellosis outbreak. This disease, caused by Brucella bacteria, is primarily transmitted through contact with infected animals, their excrement, or contaminated animal products. The most common reservoirs of this bacterium are cattle, dogs, sheep, goats, and pigs.

Transmission from human to human is very rare.

Local authorities convened an extraordinary session, but no concrete actions were taken to address the issue.

In a statement to the media following the session, Mayor Migdad Hasanović of Vogoszcia highlighted that the situation is highly alarming and is likely to become more complicated. In response to an appeal from the Civil Defence Headquarters, Mayor Hasanović declared a state of natural disaster for part of the region.

Another infectious disease in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In May, in the Sarajevo canton, which includes the Vogoszcia commune, an epidemic of leptospirosis, known as rat fever, was declared. This disease spreads through contact with water or soil contaminated by rodents.

The Regional Institute of Public Health indicated that the absence of pest control actions over the past two years has contributed to the development of this disease.

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