One died, one hospitalized from leptospirosis, Berkeley officials say

Key Points:

• An outbreak of leptospirosis linked to a large homeless encampment in North Berkeley has infected two people living in an RV nearby, resulting in one death and one hospitalization, marking the first human cases in Berkeley in over a decade.
• The disease, primarily spread through infected rats, has extended beyond the initial one-third-mile radius warning zone, although the risk to housed residents remains extremely low due to less exposure to rats.
• The two infected individuals were breeding and feeding wild rats in their RV and delayed seeking medical care for weeks or months, which likely worsened their conditions; one required a lengthy hospitalization before recovery.
• Health officials urge dog owners to ensure vaccinations against leptospirosis, advise against public rat extermination efforts, and recommend precautions such as sealing food, avoiding contaminated water, and maintaining hygiene to prevent infection.
• The city has removed about 40 tons of trash from the encampment to reduce rat populations, provided protective gear and information to residents, and conducted testing and vaccination offers for dogs in the area.