Mass poisoning in North Macedonia: three arrested, over 3,100 ill from contaminated water

Authorities in North Macedonia have arrested three people in connection with a mass poisoning in the town of Gostivar, where contaminated river water is believed to have entered the drinking water supply. The director and two employees of the local water utility were detained on Monday, police said.

According to health officials, more than 3,100 people have fallen ill, with four hospitalized. A sharp increase in gastroenteritis cases last week led authorities to declare an epidemic in Gostivar on Sunday.

Police stated on Friday that they are investigating the cause and suspect the local water utility may have discharged wastewater directly into the town's water supply system. Health Minister Sašo Klekovski and the prosecutor's office have not yet released the results of water sample tests, but the minister noted at a press conference that water is the common link in all cases.

The crisis coincides with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius. The State Food and Veterinary Agency has banned the use of tap water since Friday, even before test results were available. Residents are advised to use bottled water, and the government announced daily deliveries of 50,000 liters of water to the town.

Seven days after the first cases were reported, Gostivar Mayor Valbon Limani ordered the establishment of a crisis headquarters. The Interior Ministry said the situation is being thoroughly investigated and that contamination of drinking water may constitute a crime.