North Macedonia Investigates Water Supply After 1,500 Struck by Vomiting Bug

Health officials in North Macedonia have declared an epidemic in a region near the capital Skopje after 1,500 people fell ill with gastroenteritis, with authorities suspecting the water supply. The cases have been concentrated in the town of Gostivar, located approximately 50 kilometres southwest of Skopje, with patients flooding local hospitals since the beginning of last week. While the exact source of the infection has not yet been confirmed, officials have advised residents against using the municipal water supply since Friday. “Due to the increased number of patients with gastroenteritis, the Tetovo Public Health Centre has reported an epidemic in the municipality of Gostivar,” said epidemiologist Zorica Zafirovska, adding that experts are currently testing the water supply. Police announced on Friday that they are investigating the cause and believe a local company may have pumped wastewater directly into the city’s water supply. The interior ministry stated it is working to fully clarify the case, noting that contamination of drinking water could be considered a criminal offence. The health crisis coincides with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius in the country.