La Paz faces health risks from accumulated street waste

The city of La Paz is facing a significant public health risk due to an accumulation of solid waste on its streets. The crisis has persisted for approximately 10 days following a dispute between the Municipal Government, led by Mayor César Dockweiler, and the waste management company La Paz Limpia regarding contract revisions.

Health experts from the Institute of Diagnostic and Health Research Laboratory Services (Seladis) have warned that the decomposing organic matter poses several dangers. Residents are at risk of contracting typhoid fever, gastroenteritis, or E. coli infections through the inhalation of aerosols or contact with contaminated areas. Additionally, the waste accumulation threatens to contaminate groundwater and block drainage systems, which could exacerbate issues during rainfall.