Leptospirosis cases in NYC hit a record high and are expected to rise further due to rat-borne bacteria, with symptoms ranging from mild flu-like to severe, potentially fatal conditions.
Rats spread spirochete bacteria in their urine, infecting humans through wounds or mucous membranes; NYC's efforts to control rats include birth control pellets to curb population growth.
While NYC only had an average of three leptospirosis cases yearly pre-pandemic, the number increased to 15 in recent years, spiking to 24 cases in 2023, with six cases already reported in 2022.
Leptospira bacteria thrive in warm, moist conditions and are fragile in extreme temperatures; the NYC Health Department emphasizes the need for prevention in such environments.
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