"Leptospirosis, caused by leptospira bacteria, can be fatal in both animals and people and is spread through the urine and bodily fluids of infected animals - most commonly rats - which can contaminate soil and stagnant water. People and animals can become infected when contaminated water or soil comes into contact with cuts, eyes, the mouth or other mucous membranes."
"City officials said the Harrison Street encampments, located near Codornices Creek, have conditions that allow the bacteria to thrive, given the standing water, uncontained garbage and limited access for rodent control crews. In the public health alert, Berkeley designated the area as a "red" or high-risk zone and urged encampment residents to move at least a third of a mile away to allow for cleanup and rat abatement."
Berkeley health officials detected leptospirosis after finding numerous infected rats and at least two dogs testing positive near an encampment in the Harrison Street corridor. Leptospira bacteria spread through urine and bodily fluids, contaminating soil and stagnant water; humans and animals contract the disease when contaminated water or soil contacts cuts, eyes, mouth, or mucous membranes. Warmth followed by rain and flooding increases risk because the bacteria can survive in water or soil for weeks to months. The Harrison Street encampments near Codornices Creek were designated a high-risk zone and residents were urged to move a third of a mile to allow cleanup and rat abatement. Symptoms often begin as flu-like illness and can become severe.
Read at SFGATE
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