Trajanovski Warns: Water Contamination in Gostivar Could Lead to Hepatitis Cases

After four weeks without safe drinking water, the situation in Gostivar is turning into a serious risk to residents’ health, doctor Aleksandar Trajanovski says.

He says that, in addition to the symptoms reported so far, such as vomiting, diarrhea and high fever, the prolonged crisis could also lead to cases of viral hepatitis. According to him, one reason is the difficulty residents face in maintaining personal hygiene due to the lack of water.

Trajanovski, who also serves as vice president of the opposition SDSM, links the crisis, which began in late June, to a lack of preparedness and coordination among institutions. He says an epidemic should have been declared earlier so that capacity could have been strengthened in time and the situation on the ground properly assessed.

The doctor is calling on the government to openly publish the results of the water tests and explain the causes of the contamination. Trajanovski stresses that residents should not have to wait until August 20 for answers.

According to him, immediate and concrete measures should be taken to protect public health, rather than focusing attention on political clashes.