Johannesburg on Monday. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Authorities in South Africa's biggest city have asked residents to be on the alert for rats, which are thriving because of a four-week strike by garbage collectors pressing for a salary increase.
Thousands of garbage collectors in Johannesburg have been on strike since March 9. Some downtown streets resemble a dumping site, with pedestrians stepping over piles of refuse. Motorists battled for alternative routes as some roads became impassable.
The African News Agency on Monday quoted a provincial health official as saying residents should organize their own garbage collection to stop rats from breeding.
The city has introduced a round-the-clock "hotline" telephone number for residents who need cleaning tools, gloves and waste disposal bags.
Antisemitism Exposed
Fox News' Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world."
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.