Homeless encampment at center of health alert over rat-borne disease

Health officials are warning of a dangerous bacterial infection that has been detected at a homeless encampment in Berkeley, Calif.(iStock)

“People or animals who touch or drink contaminated water or mud are potentiallyexposed to the bacteria,” the alert stated.“The disease is transmitted to humans and animals when the contaminated water touches mucous membranes, such as eyes, nose, mouth or skin cuts.This disease is not spread in the air or by coughing or sneezing.”

“People or animals who touch or drink contaminated water or mud are potentially exposed to the bacteria.”

There is a higher risk after heavy rainfall,flooding or hurricanes, as this increases contact with infected water or soil.

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Leptospirosis typically causes flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, headache, body aches,vomiting or nausea, according to the CDC.Infected people may also experience yellowed eyes or skin, rash, stomach pain or diarrhea, Siegel added.

Rats and their urine are the primary vectors of the disease, officials warned.It can also be transmitted through contaminated soil or water exposed to infected animal urine.(iStock)

Without antibiotic treatment, the disease can lead to serious illness, including kidney damage, liver failure, meningitis anddifficulty breathing.In rare cases, it can be fatal to humans and animals, health officials say.

rats that are transmitting leptospirosishas made the area unsafe for human encampment conditions in the vicinity of Harrison Street encampments in the area generally bounded by San Pablo Avenue, Gilman Street, Codornices Creek and the railroad tracks,” the alert stated.

The disease has been confirmed in multiple rats and dogs at the homeless encampments along Harrison Street near Eighth Street in West Berkeley, according to an alert from City of Berkeley Public Health.(iStock)

The city has designated public health risk zones, with the Red Zone marking the highest risk area inside the encampment.Surrounding areas have been defined as the Yellow Zone, with an elevated but lower risk.

“The City’s Health Officer strongly recommends that encampment residents move out of the defined encampment ‘RED ZONE’ area as soon as possible and at least ⅓ of a mile away due to thepublic health riskcaused by the rat infestation transmitting leptospirosis in the area,” officials advised.

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monitor themselves and their petsfor signs of illness.

Anyone who has been exposed or is experiencing symptoms should seek immediatemedical attention.

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Due to the high risk the diseases poses to dogs, there is an animal vaccine for leptospirosis that can be administered by veterinary professionals.(iStock)

Dr.Jill Pattee, infectious disease medical lead at Elanco Animal Health in Indianapolis, Indiana, acknowledged that the increase of urbanization and the spread of wildlife into communities has led to greater exposure to leptospirosis. 

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“Leptospirosis can be spread through standing water, soil and contact with animals carrying the disease,�

Due to the high risk the diseaseposes to dogs, there is an animal vaccine for leptospirosis that can be administered by veterinary professionals, Pattee noted.

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