Coliform Bacteria in Water Likely Caused Gostivar Epidemic, North Macedonia Officials Say

A significant outbreak of gastroenteritis in Gostivar, a city in western North Macedonia, has been linked to a severe contamination of the drinking water supply. Authorities suspect a high concentration of coliform bacteria, a key indicator of fecal pollution, is the root cause of the widespread illness.

Recent water quality tests conducted by officials revealed alarming levels of coliform bacteria, with concentrations nearing 50 times the legally permissible limit. Coliform bacteria, including the well-known E. coli, are commonly used as markers for the presence of harmful pathogens originating from fecal matter. This finding strongly suggests a breach in the water treatment or distribution system.

The health crisis began to emerge around July 14, with approximately 3,100 individuals seeking medical attention for gastrointestinal issues in Gostivar over the past week. In response to the escalating situation, police detained three employees from the local utility company, Komunalec, on Monday. They are now under investigation for actions that may have led to the contamination of the public water supply.

Prosecutors allege that these three individuals, identified as the acting director, technical director, and head of the water supply department, ordered subordinates to install three submersible pumps in a surface water channel near a drinking water reservoir on June 25. These pumps, intended for pressure testing, reportedly remained operational for over 20 days. An inspection on July 16 confirmed that two of these pumps were actively drawing water containing coliform bacteria into the municipal water network.

A court in Gostivar has ordered the pre-trial detention of all three suspects for 30 days, citing the severity of the alleged crime and the risk of flight or witness tampering. They face a minimum of four years in prison if convicted. The government is providing 50,000 liters of bottled water daily to Gostivar residents and has declared a 30-day state of emergency to facilitate a coordinated response to the health crisis.