Institute of Public Health: 139 residents of Fushë-Arrëz were poisoned by drinking water!

Following the completion of laboratory analyses, the Institute of Public Health confirmed that the 139 citizens who sought care at the Fushë-Arrëz Health Center between August 24 and September 3, 2026, had been poisoned by drinking water, a claim also made by the residents themselves.

The Institute of Public Health classified the incident as a waterborne outbreak caused by the improper implementation of hygiene and sanitation practices designed to ensure the quality and safety of drinking water.

A total of 128 cases, or 91.7%, were residents of Fushë-Arrëz, with most of the cases concentrated in the “Demokracia” and “Nushaj” neighborhoods.

All of the cases involved diarrhea, while 128 people reported vomiting and 81 had a fever. The ages of those affected ranged from 2 to 94.

The Institute of Public Health’s investigation focused on the water supply system, as the affected residents stated that they consumed water from the public network and were supplied by the same system.

Laboratory analyses confirmed microbiological contamination at several points in the water supply system, where coliforms and enterococci were found.

The Institute of Public Health’s report also stated that the disinfection of drinking water had not been carried out properly. Analysis of the sodium hypochlorite showed that the active chlorine level was 9.04%, while the limit specified in the report is 13–15%, meaning it did not meet the requirements for use in the chlorination and disinfection of drinking water.

Despite the laboratory analyses, the Shkodër Regional Water Supply and Sewerage Company, which is responsible for supplying water to Fushë-Arrëz, has issued no notice advising citizens not to consume the water coming from their taps.