Dangerous bacterial outbreak in Bay Area city sparks health alert |
A view of leptospira bacteria, spiral-shaped microorganisms that are responsible for the leptospirosis infection.
Berkeley health officials issued a warning to residents after a potentially dangerous bacterial disease was detected in the city.
In a news release issued Monday by the city, local health officials reported “numerous” infected rats and noted that at least two dogs tested positive for leptospirosis near an encampment in the city’s Harrison Street corridor.
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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.
Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an