"Surge in Rat Urine-Related Infections Hits Record High in NYC"

New York City has seen a surge in cases of leptospirosis, a life-threatening bacterial infection spread through rat urine, with a record 24 cases reported in 2023 and six cases so far in 2024. The bacteria, which infect rats and are transmitted to humans through contact with open wounds or mucous membranes, can cause severe symptoms such as kidney failure, liver damage, and respiratory distress. The city's health department attributes the increase in cases to a booming rat population, climate change, and warm, moist conditions. Mayor Eric Adams has made fighting the rat population a priority, and the health department has advised clinicians to be vigilant for cases, which are treated with common oral antibiotics or intravenous doses.