Camp of homeless people in the health alert center for diseases transmitted by rats

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

Leptospirosis, caused by the bacteria Leptospira, is a zoonotic infection that can be transmitted from animals to people.

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

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Rats and their urine are the main vectors of the disease, officials warned. It can also be transmitted through contaminated soil or water exposed to urine from infected animals.

“People or animals that touch or drink contaminated water or mud are potentially exposed to the bacteria,” the alert states. “The disease is transmitted to humans and animals when contaminated water comes into contact with mucous membranes, such as the eyes, nose, mouth, or cuts in the skin. This disease is not transmitted through the air or by coughing or sneezing.”

There is an increased risk after heavy rain, flooding or hurricanes, as this increases contact with infected water or soil.

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Leptospirosis often causes flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, headache, body aches, vomiting or nausea, according to the CDC. Infected people may also experience yellowing eyes or skin, rash, stomach pain, or diarrhea.

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

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Illness usually begins between two and 30 days after exposure to the bacteria, according to the CDC. People usually begin to feel better within a few days or weeks, but recovery without treatment can take several months.

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“The presence of rats that transmit leptospirosis has made the area unsafe for human encampment conditions in the vicinity of the Harrison Street encampments in the area generally bounded by San Pablo Avenue, Gilman Street, Codornices Creek, and the railroad tracks,” the alert said.

The city has designated public health risk zones, and the Red Zone marks the highest risk area within the camp. The surrounding areas have been defined as Yellow Zone, with a high but lower risk.

“The City Health Officer strongly recommends that camp residents move out of the area defined as ‘RED ZONE’ as soon as possible and at least 1/3 mile away due to the public health risk caused by the infestation of leptospirosis-carrying rats in the area,” officials advised.

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Area residents are encouraged to avoid contact with standing water and mud, wear protective clothing, and monitor themselves and their pets for signs of illness.

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