The human cases of leptospirosis are the first in the city in more than a decade.
player ready... BERKELEY — One person died and another fell ill after contracting a bacterial disease from wild rats they were keeping inside their RV in Berkeley, city officials said.
The human cases of leptospirosis are the first in the city in more than a decade, City Manager Paul Buddenhagen wrote in aLeptospirosis is commonly carried by rats globally, and while cases among people are rare, the bacterial disease can be transmitted to humans through the urine of an infected rat.
“Both individuals lived together in a recreational vehicle in which they had been trapping, feeding and breeding wild rats,” he said “In addition, the vehicle was severely infested with wild rats that were not in cages. ” Buddenhagen said the RV was parked about a mile from Harrison Street, where rats and two dogs living in and around homeless encampments tested positive for leptospirosis in December.
“The individuals fell sick, but they did not seek medical care for weeks and possibly months,” he said. Firefighters took the couple to an area hospital, where one of them died. The other recovered after receiving treatment. Alameda County Vector Control laid traps inside the RV and in the immediate vicinity, Buddenhagen said.
After nearly 200 rats were removed, the RV was towed and destroyed. Buddenhagen said the city is taking steps to prevent additional cases in humans and dogs, including targeted outreach to homeless encampments, debris removal and regular trapping and testing of rats. The general risk to the public remains “extremely low,” Buddenhagen said, adding that the bacteria associated with leptospirosis cannot survive in typical dry, clean properties.
“It requires constant moisture, standing water or heavy rodent infestations to pose a threat,” he said.
Please follow us on Google to support us United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Berkeley, a Look Back: UC regents OK naval training program in 1926Capt. Chester Nimitz, who was later a famed World War II Pacific Fleet commander, would be sent to establish Cal’s Navy ROTC program.
Read more »
Berkeley Animal Shelter, damaged in suspicious fire, to remain closed for at least three weeksThe Berkeley Animal Shelter, which was damaged Saturday night in what authorities said was a “suspicious” fire, will remain closed for at least three weeks and possibly longer.
Read more »
Arson investigation at Berkeley animal shelter after suspicious fire, police sayA suspicious fire that broke out at Berkeley Animal Services over the weekend is now being investigated as arson, according to police.
Read more »
Police investigate Berkeley Animal Shelter fire as arsonA fire that forced the Berkeley Animal Shelter to close over the weekend is now being investigated as arson.
Read more »