Deadly Bacterial Infection Breaks Out at Berkeley Homeless Encampment, Kills Two Dogs
SFist • • health
Key Points:
- A deadly outbreak of leptospirosis, a bacterial disease that can cause severe illness or death in humans and animals, has been confirmed at a large homeless encampment in Berkeley, killing two dogs and spreading among rats.
- Berkeley public health officials are urging residents of the encampment to evacuate a designated "red zone" so that the area can be cleaned and disinfected, while also recommending pet vaccinations to prevent further spread.
- Legal challenges complicate efforts to clear the encampment, as a federal judge has maintained a restraining order preventing forced sweeps, giving residents the legal right to remain despite the health risks.
- Communication and notification to encampment residents about the health risks and evacuation orders have been limited, raising
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