Residents and pet owners in the San Francisco Bay Area have received urgent warnings regarding a potential public health threat following the detection of leptospirosis, a bacterial disease that can be lethal to both animals and humans. This warning was issued by health authorities in Berkeley, California, after multiple cases were found among rats and at least two dogs near the Harrison Street encampment, situated close to Codornices Creek.
The alert highlights serious health risks, especially after recent heavy rainfall created conditions that favor the bacteria’s survival. Leptospirosis is caused by Leptospira bacteria, commonly transmitted through the urine of infected animals, particularly rats. Although no human cases have been reported so far, the disease poses significant threats, especially to dogs and people who may come into contact with contaminated water or soil.
Understanding the Risks
According to Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease physician at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), dogs are at heightened risk because they are less likely than humans to avoid puddles. “Dogs don’t avoid puddles the way people do,” she stated in an interview with SFGATE. This behavior increases their chances of exposure to the bacteria, which does not spread from person to person, making it more dangerous for animals.
Infected individuals and pets often contract the disease when contaminated water or soil comes into contact with cuts, eyes, the mouth, or mucous membranes. The recent combination of warm weather followed by rain has created optimal conditions for the bacteria, which can remain viable in soil or water for up to a month. This persistence raises the risk of further infections long after the initial contamination.
As a response, Berkeley officials have designated the area around the encampment as a ‘red zone.’ They are urging residents of the encampment to relocate at least one-third of a mile away to facilitate targeted cleanup and rat eradication efforts. The city has also implemented environmental testing and posted warnings to alert those in the vicinity.
Prevention and Awareness
Pet owners are strongly encouraged to vaccinate their animals against leptospirosis. Owners of free-roaming cats are also advised to consider vaccination, while all pet owners should ensure their animals do not have access to potentially contaminated water sources. Symptoms in humans can resemble flu-like conditions, including fever, chills, headache, sore muscles, and red eyes. Anyone who has spent time in the affected area and develops these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention, emphasizing possible exposure to leptospirosis.
For dogs, symptoms may include vomiting, jaundice, or unusual urination, necessitating urgent veterinary care. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, another infectious disease expert at UCSF, commented on the situation, stating, “Wherever you get rats urinating and then flooding or rain, there’s potential for exposure.”
Berkeley’s public health officer, Dr. Noemi Doohan, reinforced safety measures in a public health release, advising, “Neither dogs nor people should wade in, or drink from, nearby water, mud, puddles, or Codornices Creek.” She urged pet owners to provide clean water for their pets and to keep them away from sick or deceased animals.
Authorities in Berkeley have initiated a public health investigation, which will include cleanup and rat eradication activities expected to last at least 30 days, reflecting the typical lifespan of leptospirosis in soil. The city explained that effectively eliminating the rat population requires multiple baiting cycles, necessitating ongoing monitoring and intervention.
As the situation develops, public health officials stress the importance of community awareness to prevent further spread of this dangerous bacterial disease.
