California residents and pet owners in the San Francisco Bay Area have been warned about an outbreak of a potentially dangerous disease.
Why It Matters
Berkeley, California, is facing a significant public health challenge after the detection of leptospirosis—a potentially fatal bacterial disease transmitted by rats—in a homeless encampment.
The alert, issued by local health authorities, underscores heightened risks for dogs and residents, especially following a period of heavy rainfall that has created favorable conditions for bacteria to thrive.
What To Know
Berkeley officials issued a public health alert after discovering leptospirosis among multiple rats and at least two dogs living near the Harrison Street encampment, located by Codornices Creek.
Leptospirosis is caused by leptospira bacteria, which are typically spread through the urine of infected animals—most commonly rats—contaminating soil and stagnant water…