Main health risks for Bosnia and Herzegovina

Diseases transmitted by insects or animals

Bosnia and Herzegovina has been affected by the avian flu epizootic, yet no case of human transmission has been observed.

There are cases of animal rabies in the country.

Diseases transmitted by food, water or through the environment

Gastric diseases are common among tourists who are not accustomed to local food or who do not take precautions.

Diseases transmitted by contact with infected people

Tuberculosis is rare in the country.

There is currently an ongoing outbreak of measles in western Bosnia, in the towns of Prijedor, Bosanska Dubica, and Kotor Varos. Mainly young people are affected.

The country is currently affected by the ongoing outbreak of influenza A / H1N1, but its severity does not appear different from the rest of the world. Worldwide, the vast majority of H1N1 illnesses have been mild, and most deaths have occurred among pregnant women or among people with underlying medical conditions, including respiratory conditions, diabetes, heart disease and immune deficiency.

From March, 24 to July, 31, 2009, 342 cases of rubella were reported in Republika Srpska. The outbreak is still ongoing with the last case reported in east Sarajevo on September 15th. The rubella virus causes a rash, fever, joint paint, headache and conjunctivitis. There is no specific treatment for Rubella; however, an efficient vaccine exists.