logo
Rat-borne diseases cause crisis in Sarajevo

Rat-borne diseases cause crisis in Sarajevo

BBC News29-05-2025
Health experts blame a failure to control Sarajevo's rodent population for an alarming rise in the number of cases of rat-borne diseases.
In just one 24 hour period this week, the country's largest hospital reported a dozen cases of leptospirosis. That follows a steady stream of other infections earlier in the month.
One of the disease's nicknames, rat fever, reflects its key vector of infection. It generally spreads to humans through water or soil contaminated with rodent urine or faeces.
Symptoms can range from headaches and muscle pain to bleeding on the lungs. The acute form of the illness, Weil's disease, can cause jaundice and even kidney failure.
The local authorities in Sarajevo have declared an epidemic, allowing the imposition of emergency measures, including a long overdue clean-up.
Extra municipal workers armed with disinfectant sprays have been deployed to carry out an urban "spring clean" in public areas across the city, while additional rubbish collections are being arranged. Schools have been directed to clean their playgrounds, mow any grass areas and check their basements for rats.
The current all-action approach is a stark contrast to the laissez-faire situation of the past two years, during which there were no pest control measures in Sarajevo at all. Officials blame a botched tender process for extermination and sanitation work, which has allowed the city to go to the rats – and, for that matter, the dogs, as packs of strays are also a common sight around the capital.
Sarajevo Canton Health Minister Enis Hasanovic described the situation as "not a health crisis, but a communal crisis", due to local authorities failing to fulfil essential municipal hygiene requirements.
But a former director of the Sarajevo's University Clinical Centre, Sebija Izetbegović, believes the health situation could deteriorate further. Now a member of Sarajevo Canton Assembly, she points out that "well-fed rats" are currently so numerous in the city that "we can also expect hantavirus".
In one respect at least, Sarajevo has been lucky. Left untreated, leptospirosis can be deadly, with a mortality rate of more than 50% for people who suffer from severe bleeding of the lungs.
But so far none of the cases reported in the current epidemic have been serious.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

I've been spiked multiple times – here's how you can beat sickos, says Ashley James as druggings rise with KIDS targeted
I've been spiked multiple times – here's how you can beat sickos, says Ashley James as druggings rise with KIDS targeted

The Sun

timea day ago

  • The Sun

I've been spiked multiple times – here's how you can beat sickos, says Ashley James as druggings rise with KIDS targeted

NEARLY seven million unsuspecting Brits have had drugs slipped into their drink as 'spiking' hits epidemic levels. Children as young as 11 have even been targeted and holidaymakers heading to Europe are being warned to stay alert to the dangers. 5 5 5 This Morning presenter Ashley James fears she has had mystery narcotics sneaked into her drinks 'multiple times' when out socialising. Today, as a Sun on Sunday probe reveals spiking is reaching new heights, the 38-year-old star said: 'I have suspected that I've been spiked multiple times during my university days and also when I've been out in London at various times. 'Having spent a lot of time in nightlife spaces — especially working as a DJ — I've sadly seen just how common spiking still is. "Several of my close friends have had their drinks spiked, both in the UK and abroad, and there's lots of cases where boys are spiked for pranks. Terrifying trend 'It seems like everyone, including myself, has either been spiked or knows someone who has. "I want to raise awareness, especially as we're going into festival season and ­summer and people are out in beer gardens and so on.' Victims have been spiked before being sexually assaulted or robbed, and recent cases have shown that some people are also drugging ­others for a 'joke'. Latest figures from the National Police Chiefs' Council show there were 6,732 recorded spiking cases in the 12 months to April 2023, including 957 reports of needle spiking, which involves ­victims being injected with drugs. Freedom of Information requests also show constabularies across the country are dealing with more cases than ever. Children as young as 11 are even being targeted with drugs including ketamine, Rohypnol, MDMA and gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Greater Manchester Police recorded 463 spiking incidents last year, ­compared to 128 in 2019. Some 78 victims were aged 16 to 18, and 14 were between 11 and 15 years old. Meanwhile, West Midlands Police logged 183 suspected incidents against women last year, compared to 25 in 2020. There were 105 reported involving male victims. And in West Yorks, cops had reports of 444 drink spiking ­incidents last year, compared to 143 in 2019. Ashley is raising awareness alongside campaign group CounterSpike. They have created a SpikeStixx kit, which allows people to test their drinks for a range of drugs. The TV host says she would never now 'accept drinks from strangers' or leave her glass unattended. Some 6.6million people — around one in ten of the population — are believed to have been spiked at some point, according to CounterSpike research. 5 Yet 90 per cent of cases go unreported, according to Drinkaware and Anglia Ruskin University. Drink spiking is the most common method, but drugs have also been added to vapes and food. And a ­terrifying new trend called needle ­spiking has emerged in recent years. More than 140 people reported being jabbed at France's Fete de La Musique festival last month. Police, who made a number of arrests, did not say at the time if it was needle-spiking. Some 80 per cent of spikings take place in public spaces, ­including bars, clubs and festivals. Mum-of-one Cara Sayer was at a singles night at a bar in Esher, Surrey, in 2021 when she was spiked. The 53-year-old, who runs her own company, SnoozeShade, said: 'I went with a girlfriend. I had to be up early the next day so didn't drink excessively. 'My last coherent memory was my friend leaving at 9.45pm. After that, I vaguely remember wobbling around the dance floor. Spiking is a big concern and it's driven by accessibility to cheap drugs, which is why we are seeing cases involving children. Tory MP Joe Robertson 'Not dancing, but stumbling and trying to stay on my feet. I was found unconscious in the toilet ­surrounded by my own sick. 'An ambulance was called and they were the first to mention ­spiking. They said my eyes looked dilated and a bit funny. But when I called the police, they made me feel like it was my fault. 'It took away any element of control and that was terrifying.' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced in November that ­tampering with someone's drink is set to become a specific crime. It is currently prosecuted under seven different laws. To bring ­charges, cops must have evidence of the substance, a suspect, and CCTV footage of them spiking the victim or a credible eyewitness. Police dealt with in 2023, only six per cent ended in an arrest. But there have been some ­successful prosecutions. In May, Paige Myer, from Northumberland, received a six-month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, after she was convicted at Newcastle crown court of 'administering a poison'. She was in a pub when she spiked a woman with amyl nitrite, known as poppers, for a 'joke'. 'Took away control' And in January, Vikas Nath, 61 — a director of the Michelin-starred Mayfair restaurant Benares — was charged with administering a ­substance with intent of overpowering a woman for sexual activity. He denies the claim and is due to stand trial next year. Tory MP Joe Robertson said: 'Spiking is a big concern and it's driven by accessibility to cheap drugs, which is why we are seeing cases involving children. 'I'm worried it's on the rise and it's really hard to prosecute.' The Foreign Office warned Brits to be vigilant abroad after spikings in hotspots including Benidorm, Magaluf and Malta. Colin Mackie, who founded charity Spike Aware after his son Greg, 18, died from a suspected spiking in 2017, said: 'Recently, we were contacted by an 82-year-old man who was spiked and robbed on holiday in Spain. He was walking down the strip when two girls said, 'Come to our pub for our complimentary drink and to watch the football'. 'One brought him a beer. The next thing he knows he's on the floor. "He was taken to hospital and it turned out he'd been spiked and, three days later, he noticed one of his credit cards had gone missing. 'When he went to check, £2,500 had been taken out of his account.' Colin also revealed he had been contacted by the parents of an 11-year-old from Liverpool whose life changed after he was spiked. He said: 'His so-called friends put ketamine in his Lucozade, for fun, to make him look silly. 'He was sick and it affected him ­mentally. He became aggressive and resentful and he didn't want to go to school any more.'

Rabies is making a comeback: here's what you need to know
Rabies is making a comeback: here's what you need to know

The Independent

timea day ago

  • The Independent

Rabies is making a comeback: here's what you need to know

Cases of rabies, a viral and potentially fatal disease that primarily spreads through the bites or scratches of infected animals, have recently been reported around the Northeast. This week, officials in the town of Westfield, New Jersey, issued a public health alert after two reports of bites associated with a raccoon that may be infected with rabies, put the surrounding communities on high alert. Last week, New York's Nassau County Department of Health declared an imminent public health threat in response to the ongoing spread of rabies among wild and feral-domesticated animals in the county. 'The resurgence of rabies in Nassau County, with its high population density and after nearly a decade of absence, represents a serious and evolving public health concern,' Nassau County Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman said in a release. 'This declaration allows us to respond to prevent further spread and protect the health and safety of Nassau County residents.' The resurgence comes after the county had successfully eradicated the virus since 2016. Over the last year, the department has confirmed 25 rabid animals, including raccoons and feral cats. The department noted that surveillance data shows that the virus is circulating in the area. "Let me be clear, there is no cause for alarm, as we have not yet received any reports of human transmission,' Gelman said, according People. 'However, the time for prevention is now." The declaration comes as health authorities in nearby Suffolk County reported two cases of rabies — the first since 2009. But, whether or not an uptick in new cases indicate that rabies is becoming more prevalent in the region is unclear right now. The summer season has something to do with it, Stony Brook Children's Hospital Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases Division Dr. Sharon Nachman told News 12 Long Island. "It is a question of where you are and what the season is, and certainly the summertime is always associated with more bites and more worries about rabies," she said. A large number of cases has also been reported in Queens. Around 4,000 animal rabies cases are reported each year. The animals most frequently found with rabies in the U.S. are bats, skunks, raccoons, and foxes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Outside of the Northeast, there has been a rise in cases linked to bats, resulting in three rabies deaths in a period of just five weeks a couple of years ago, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2021, five Americans died of rabies, the largest number in a decade. Human-caused climate change has resulted in the expansion of vampire bats' habitat, and increased the risk of rabies in domestic animals, according to scientists. This week, Denver Animal Protection warned that the public should be cautious after two bats tested positive for the rabies virus, 9 News reported. Still, fewer than 10 people in the U.S. die from rabies each year. That's thanks to post-exposure care and the rabies vaccine. Nearly 100,000 people are vaccinated following a possible exposure each year. Treatment is nearly 100 percent effective if you get it after an exposure. Initial rabies symptoms are similar to the flu, including fever, headache, and muscle aches. They can progress to neurological and physical symptoms, such as delirium, a fear of water, and seizures. To prevent the risk of infection, there are several steps people can take. Make sure pets are up to date with their vaccines, stay away from wildlife, call animal control to remove stray animals from the neighborhoods, and wash any bites or scratches immediately with soap and water after possible exposures before seeking medical attention. 'Rabies is preventable through vaccination and pet owners should remember that the best protection is to vaccinate for rabies and license all pets with the town,' Westfield officials said.

The 6 most common types of back pain and how to ‘cure' each one – plus when it's critical you see a doctor NOW
The 6 most common types of back pain and how to ‘cure' each one – plus when it's critical you see a doctor NOW

The Sun

time2 days ago

  • The Sun

The 6 most common types of back pain and how to ‘cure' each one – plus when it's critical you see a doctor NOW

WE'RE living through a back pain epidemic. It affects 49million people in the UK and 619million globally, and it can wreak havoc on our everyday lives. 10 From sharp stabs to dull aches and even numbness, it can be crippling for some. 'This pain can be debilitating, affecting general day to day movement, stopping people from being able to work and even sleep,' physiotherapist and musculoskeletal specialist Clara Kervyn tells Sun Health. Back pain accounts for more than 12million days off work every year, and it costs the NHS nearly £5billion annually. But not all back pain is the same, and some types require very different treatment to others. So what's the reason for yours? From slouching at your desk to arthritis, experts share the potential causes - as well as treatments to help you feel more comfortable… 1. Slipped disc A herniated disc, known to most of us as a slipped disc, occurs when the soft, gel-like tissue found between the vertebrae in your spine pushes outwards. There are about five to 20 cases per 1,000 adults. 'It occurs most often in the lumbar spine (lower back) but can affect the cervical spine (neck) and in rare instances, the thoracic spine (central back),' says Mr Gordan Grahovac, consultant neurosurgeon at Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital. The most common causes include age-related degeneration, where the disc dries out and weakens, improper lifting technique with heavy weights, sudden trauma or injury and/or a sedentary lifestyle. Genetics can also play a role. A sharp, burning or shooting pain may be felt down one leg, shoulder, arm, hand or around the chest or abdomen, depending on where the herniated disc is down your spine. Mr Grahovac says that most of the time, herniated discs do not require surgery and improve over weeks to months. But do visit your GP, who can advise you on the next steps. If non surgical treatments - such as stretching, core strengthening and medication like ibuprofen - don't work within six to 12 weeks, surgery may be an option. 10 'The most common is a microdiscectomy,' says Mr Grahovac. 'This involves the removal of the herniated portion through a small incision on the back.' Full recovery from surgery can take up to 12 weeks. Mr Grahovac says: 'Seek immediate help and call 999 if you experience a loss of bladder or bowel control, leg weakness which gets worse and/or a severe pain that's not responding to treatment.' 2. Arthritis More than 10million people in the UK have arthritis. Spinal arthritis is a degenerative disease affecting the facet joints, found on the back of each vertebrae in the spine, and the intervertebral discs. 'It's most common in the mobile spine, including the lower back and neck,' says Mr Grahovac. 'Early signs can include mild back or neck stiffness, especially in the morning; intermittent discomfort that worsens with activity; a 'grinding' or popping sensation when you move; and fatigue.' Later stage symptoms might include nerve impingement, which can cause numbness, tingling or weakness, and/or a decreased range of motion of your lumbar spine or neck. Your GP will be able to diagnose spinal arthritis by assessing your range of motion, any family history, as well as any tenderness over the affected area. Both pulled and torn muscles may lead to bruising, swelling and muscle spasms. You may feel a 'pop' or a tear Elyn MarwickPersonal trainer 'Your doctor may even refer you to a musculoskeletal physiotherapist who can organise further investigations,' Mr Grahovac says. 'An X-ray could point out any narrowing between joints, while an MRI scan can pick up any nerve involvement or degeneration of spinal discs.' There's no cure for arthritis, however symptoms can be managed. 'Losing weight can reduce stress on the joints,' Mr Grahovac says. 'Try regular low-impact exercise such as swimming, walking and yoga, as well as weight-bearing exercise to increase muscle strength. 'When you experience a flare up, heat or ice therapy can help to ease stiffness and pain, and ibuprofen and naproxen can help to reduce pain and inflammation. 'Surgery is rare and typically reserved for severe, disabling cases with nerve root or cord compression.' 3. Sciatica Sciatica is not actually a condition itself. Instead, it's a symptom of the sciatic nerve - the largest nerve in your body - being irritated or compressed. 'It typically results from issues in the lower spine,' says Mr Grahovac. 'The most common cause is a herniated disc. 'Sciatic pain is a sharp, burning, shooting, or electric-like pain. 'It starts in the lower back or bum and radiates down one leg. It can go as far down as your foot. 'It can also be accompanied by numbness, a pins-and-needles-like tingling or muscle weakness in the leg or foot, and it might become worse when you're sitting, coughing or sneezing.' Between 13 and 40 per cent of people experience sciatica at some point in their life. There are a few temporary self-help treatments you can try. 'For the first 24 to 48 hours, try cold packs and then turn to heat therapy,' says Mr Grahovac. 'Ibuprofen and naproxen can help, as can one to two days of rest - but avoid prolonged bed rest. 'Short, frequent walks are better than being sedentary.' What the location of your back pain really means BACK pain is a common affliction that affects millions of Brits. Aches and pains might feel like an everyday part of life, but where they occur might indicate a more serious problem that requires attention. The location of your back pain could indicate you are suffering anything from organ problems to pinched nerves. Abbas Kanani, pharmacist at Online Pharmacy Chemist Click, said there are specific ways to treat each type of back pain, and some may need urgent attention. He said: 'You should also ask for an urgent GP appointment if your back pain is accompanied with a high temperature or if you've lost weight without trying to. 'You should also ask for one if there's a lump or swelling in your back or your back has changed shape. 'If the pain does not improve after resting or is worse at night the pain is made worse when sneezing, coughing or pooing, you should also contact them. 'Ask for an urgent appointment if the pain is coming from the top of your back — between your shoulders — rather than your lower back.' Sides - possible causes include kidney problems, pancreatitis, bowel inflammation, womb contraction Spine - possible causes include degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, arthritis Lower back - possible causes include muscle injury, spasms, herniated discs Upper back - possible causes include pinched nerves Neck - possible causes include misalignment, low flexibility Try gently stretching the hamstrings and piriformis - a small muscle near your hip joint. A seated forward fold can help your hamstrings. Sit on the ground with your legs straight and reach for your toes. For your piriformis, try a figure-four stretch. Lie down and cross one ankle over the opposite knee before pulling both legs in towards your chest. A physio, either private or referred by your NHS GP, can guide you through other exercises that help to relieve pressure on your sciatic nerve. Core strengthening exercises also help to stabilise the spine. If after four to six weeks there's no improvement, visit your GP. You may be eligible for an epidural steroid injection. 'This is usually effective for rapid relief as it targets inflammation at the nerve root,' Mr Grahovac says. Permanent solutions to your sciatica will depend on the underlying cause; your GP can advise you. 'Surgery has high success rates for the right candidates, especially if there's leg weakness or a disabling pain,' says Mr Grahovac. 4. Muscle strains Muscle strains occur when a muscle or tendon is stretched or torn. 'They commonly happen in everyday life, when bending over, twisting during household chores or picking up bags of shopping,' says personal trainer Elyn Marwick. Overtraining without resting enough can also cause a strain. So can undertraining. 'Muscles that are inflexible or without strength due to lack of use can lead to strained muscles on ordinary use like walking,' adds Elyn. 'Both pulled and torn muscles may lead to bruising, swelling and muscle spasms. 'You may also feel a 'pop' or a tear during the injury and tenderness. Even at rest the muscle may feel painful.' Elyn recommends the PRICE technique - protect, rest, ice, compress, elevate, which can help relieve pain and inflammation during the first days of recovery. You can also try a product like Deep Freeze Cold Gel (£4.25, Boots). 'It works by reducing blood flow to a strained muscle, significantly reducing inflammation and swelling,' says Elyn. As the muscle starts to feel better, it's important to move it. 'A physiotherapist can offer help and advice. You can either self-refer or pay to see one privately,' says Clara. 'Consult your GP if the pain feels severe, lasts for more than a few days, worsens with time or if you felt a pop at the time of the injury.' Call 111 if you also have a very high temperature, feel hot and shivery, or if you develop numbness, tingling, sudden weakness or difficulty controlling certain muscles. 5. Osteoporosis Osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weaker and more brittle, can lead to vertebral compression fractures, particularly in the spine, which may result in sudden or persistent back pain. 'These fractures can occur from minor falls, lifting or even coughing or sneezing,' says Clara. Osteoporosis, the most common type of arthritis affecting an estimated 8.5million people, often progresses silently and may go undiagnosed until a fracture occurs. 'Bone density testing is key for early detection, especially if you're at higher risk, such as postmenopausal women or those with a family history of the condition,' says Clara. Sitting slouched at a desk or looking down at a screen for extended periods may lead to tension in the upper and lower back, neck and shoulders Clara KervynPhysiotherapist Although osteoporosis can't be fully reversed, you can slow its progression, reducing the risk of fractures. Clara recommends increasing your intake of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin C and trace minerals such as copper, zinc and manganese, which can all support bone health. Try Holland & Barrett ABC to Z Multivitamins & Minerals tablets (£4.75), which contain all of these nutrients. Resistance-based exercises are also one of the best things you can do to help improve bone density. General movement, such as walking, will help too. Clara also suggests reducing alcohol and quitting smoking. 6. Poor posture Bad posture can place a lot of strain on muscles and soft tissues. 'Sitting slouched at a desk or looking down at a screen for extended periods may lead to tension in the upper and lower back, neck and shoulders,' says Clara. 'Leaning on one leg or having rounded shoulders can cause imbalances over time that contribute to discomfort. 'When sitting, use a chair with good back support to maintain the natural curve of your lower back. 'Sit upright and avoid slouching or leaning to one side. 'Keep feet flat on the floor and elbows at a 90-degree angle with your forearms parallel to the floor.' Get up and move around every hour and do some simple stretches to avoid stiffness and keep joints mobile. Try Deep Heat Muscle Massage Roll-on Lotion (£5.85, Tesco) which helps to ease tight muscles. Clara adds: 'When standing, stand tall with shoulders back. 'Avoid slouching; instead, engage your core, gently drawing in your lower abdomen. 'Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and weight balanced on the balls of your feet, with knees slightly bent.' I was left on the brink of total paralysis after doctors dismissed by back pain as 'anxiety' By Katrina Turrill, Health News Editor A DAD-of-three was left fearing he'd never walk again after doctors repeatedly dismissed his excruciating back pain as anxiety. Mark Doe, 36, from Swindon, endured months of agony, pins and needles, and leg weakness, initially attributed to a small disc bulge. Despite his worsening symptoms, including needing a walking aid, a neurologist told him his issues were "all my anxiety" and upped his mental health medication without further scans. Mark felt "really let down and lost," believing he "just had to put up with the symptoms." The terrifying truth emerged three months later when a "pop" in his back left him unable to move, with radiating pain and a loss of bladder function. He recalled: "I couldn't move with the immense pain. I would scream out every time I moved." At the hospital, doctors suspected Cauda Equina Syndrome, a condition where nerves at the base of the spinal cord are compressed, which can lead to paralysis. An emergency MRI revealed the small bulge had "grown much bigger and was crushing my nerves." Mark was rushed into nearly five hours of surgery. His recovery has been "very difficult". He was bed-bound for six weeks and unable to hold his five-month-old daughter. He still suffers pain and may need further surgery, but he emphasises: "If the doctor I had for the second appointment had sent me for a scan, maybe this could have been prevented or not been so bad." Mark added: "Don't give up, keep on at doctors, don't do it alone."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store