Rome (AFP) – Landfills in flames and rats feasting on waste in the streets have sparked health fears in Rome, as doctors warn families to steer clear of disease-ridden curbside garbage and locals launch a disgusting dumpster contest online.
Crowds of summer tourists are forced to navigate overflowing bins in the stifling heat, as the pungent perfume of neglected garbage draws scavenging animals and the threat of disease to the Eternal City and locals fume over the city’s refuse management.
Rome’s chief physician Antonio Magi has issued a “hygiene alert”, telling AFP this could be upgraded to a health warning, with disease spread through the faeces of insects and animals banqueting on rotting waste.
His warning prompted local prosecutors to open an investigation this week into the city’s refuse collection.
In the meantime, furious Rome residents have launched a contest on Twitter to find the most fetid dustbins.
news.yahoo.com/eternally-stinky-city-rome-garbage-crisis-sparks-health-025645469.html