Serbian Council Issues Public Health Warning About Vampires (For Real)

The legend of the vampire existed long before the days of Count Dracula's bloody tyranny in Romania. In fact, the vampire obsession dates back millennia in countries across Europe.

It even survives to this day where a local council in the Serbian town of Zarozje has issued a public health warning to its people that they should take precaution against a recently disturbed vampire.

Resident vampire, Sava Savanovic, who is believed to have lived in an old mill in the city, is said to be on the prowl again since the mill was destroyed recently.

According to ABC News, the town's mayor, Miodrag Vujetic, said: "People are worried, everybody knows the legend of this vampire and the thought that he is now homeless and looking for somewhere else [to live] and possibly other victims is terrifying."

Terrifying indeed. This public health warning has boosted the sale of garlic and crosses across the area as people prepare as best they can. Such items are said to be apotropaic, meaning that they are able to ward off evil spirits and creatures such as vampires.

In my upcoming paranormal romance novel, The Last Hybrid, I redefine vampires, but in redefining them I, perhaps, take them back to the true source of their legend - which is not Dracula or a European myth. Follow the book on Facebook (and me as well) so you'll know the day it launches in February and can order with a big discount. You can even sign up to get an email when it's ready that will give you free bonuses that others won't get.

And while you're at it, remember those poor folks in Serbia. I'm considering setting up a charity to buy more garlic for them. In addition to repelling vampires it's also quite healthy.