tldrdaily.news logo
Tag

Leptospirosis

All articles tagged with #leptospirosis

public-safety8 hours ago

Berkeley Leptospirosis Outbreak Ties Dogs and Rats at Northwest Encampment

Berkeley health officials warn of a leptospirosis outbreak linked to the Northwest Berkeley encampment near Eighth and Harrison, with two infected dogs detected last November and rats testing positive in Alameda County for the first time in five years; officials say the outbreak could persist until the camp is fully vacated for about 30 days to eradicate rat burrows, and have urged caution around standing water while offering dog vaccine vouchers as legal challenges over encampment removals continue.

via Berkeleyside|
#berkeley#encampment#leptospirosis
health23 hours ago

Berkeley Alerts About Rat-Borne Leptospirosis Near Encampments

Berkeley health officials warned that leptospirosis, a treatable but potentially deadly rat-borne disease, has been detected in and around a homeless encampment near Harrison Street, with numerous rats and at least two dogs testing positive in 2025. An alert urges encampment residents to leave a red zone bounded by San Pablo Avenue, Gilman Street, Codornices Creek and the railroad tracks, and the city plans to clear encampments and disinfect the area. The disease spreads via infected animal urine and can cause flu-like symptoms 2–30 days after exposure, potentially leading to kidney or liver failure or meningitis if untreated. UC Berkeley also urged residents to take standard precautions like good hygiene and keeping pets away from areas with rodent activity.

via Patch|
#berkeley#encampments#health
health4 months ago

Chicago Reports Rise in Rat-Borne Leptospirosis Cases and Deaths

Chicago health officials issued a health alert after at least four cases of leptospirosis, including one death, linked to contact with animal urine or droppings, primarily from rats. The disease can cause severe symptoms and is preventable through measures like avoiding floodwaters, reducing rodent populations, and proper hygiene. Pets can also be vaccinated against leptospirosis.

via NBC 5 Chicago|
#animal-contact#chicago#disease-outbreak
health1 year ago

Rare Animal-Borne Disease Outbreak Among Ventura Farmworkers

A cluster of farmworkers in Ventura County, California, have been diagnosed with leptospirosis, a rare bacterial disease often transmitted through animal urine. The disease has caused severe symptoms, including meningitis, in some cases. While the infection is not easily spread between humans, it is commonly contracted through contact with contaminated water or soil. The county's health department is investigating the outbreak, which has primarily affected berry farm workers, and has advised healthcare providers to consider leptospirosis in similar cases. Preventative measures for workers include proper wound care and protective clothing.

via Los Angeles Times|
#agriculture#farmworkers#health
environment1 year ago

"Brazil Floods: Rising Waters and Disease Claim Lives Amid Disinformation"

In Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul, unprecedented floods have led to an outbreak of leptospirosis, killing four people and resulting in 54 confirmed cases. The floods, which have displaced over 581,000 people and affected 2.3 million, have been described as a "climate disaster." Critics blame the state's environmental policies for exacerbating the damage. Recovery efforts are ongoing, with the federal government allocating significant funds for support.

via BBC.com|
#brazil#climate-disaster#environment
health1 year ago

"Rising Cases of Leptospirosis in NYC Linked to Rat Urine"

New York City sanitation workers are experiencing an increase in cases of leptospirosis, a rare disease linked to rat urine, with 24 cases reported in 2023 and six cases already in 2024. The disease, which can lead to severe symptoms such as kidney and liver failure, is primarily affecting male workers with a median age of 50. The city's health department attributes the rise in cases to the presence of the Norwegian rat, and climate change may be extending the bacteria's survival. Efforts to control the rat population have gained renewed attention, with the city appointing a "rat czar" and considering ordinances to decrease the rat population.

via USA TODAY|
#disease#health#leptospirosis
health1 year ago

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

New York City health officials issued a warning about an increase in cases of leptospirosis, a bacterial illness spread by rat urine, with 24 cases reported in 2023, the highest for any year. The disease can cause various symptoms and, if untreated, lead to serious complications. The city's Department of Health highlighted the association with exposure to materials contaminated with rat urine and warned about the risks of transmission. The increase in cases is attributed to factors such as warmer and wetter climate, excessive rain, and unseasonably warm temperatures. The city is taking measures to address the rat infestation issue, which has been linked to the spread of the disease.

via Fox News|
#health#infectious-disease#leptospirosis
health1 year ago

"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.

via Ars Technica|
#bacterial-infection#health#leptospirosis
health1 year ago

"Rising Concern: Rat Urine-Linked Infections Surge in NYC"

The New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has issued a health advisory due to an increase in human leptospirosis cases linked to exposure to rat urine in the city, with 24 cases reported in 2023 and six cases in the first quarter of 2024. Symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle aches, and severe cases can lead to renal and hepatic failure. The majority of cases have been reported in the Bronx, followed by Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. Health officials attribute the rise in cases to factors such as excessive rain and unseasonably warm temperatures, and urge reporting of cases to facilitate remediation efforts.

via ABC News|
#disease-control#health#health-advisory
health-public-safety1 year ago

"Rising Cases of Deadly Leptospirosis Linked to Rat Urine in NYC and India"

New York City officials are warning about the alarming rise of leptospirosis, a disease spread by rat urine, after a record-high number of cases in 2023. The disease, caused by bacteria in the urine of infected Norway rats, can lead to various serious illnesses. Factors associated with climate change have contributed to the spike in cases. The city is also considering a rat birth control program to address the booming rat population.

via New York Post |
#health-public-safety#infectious-disease#leptospirosis
health1 year ago

"Surge of Leptospirosis Infections Linked to Rat Urine in US Cities"

Leptospirosis, a deadly disease caused by exposure to rat urine, is on the rise in the US and is already circulating in India, particularly in states like Kerala, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. The disease is transmitted through contact with contaminated water, soil, or food tainted by infected animal urine and can lead to symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, jaundice, and gastrointestinal complications. Preventive measures include avoiding contact with potentially contaminated water bodies, keeping homes rat-free, and promoting public awareness campaigns for early detection and treatment.

via The Times of India|
#health#india#leptospirosis
health1 year ago

"Rise in Rare Bacterial Disease Cases Among San Diego Dogs"

San Diego veterinarians are observing a rise in cases of leptospirosis, a rare bacterial disease that can be transmitted to dogs through contact with contaminated water or wildlife urine. The disease, which can also affect humans, can lead to severe health complications if left untreated. Pet owners are urged to be vigilant, vaccinate their pets, and seek veterinary care if their animals show signs of lethargy or illness.

via NBC San Diego|
#health#leptospirosis#pet-health
health1 year ago

Toilet Rat Bite Sends Canadian Man to ICU with Severe Infection

A Canadian man ended up in the ICU after being bitten by a rat he found in his toilet, leading to a severe infection that was successfully treated. The incident, detailed in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, resulted in the man developing sepsis and being diagnosed with leptospirosis, a rare disease usually contracted from exposure to infected urine rather than rat bites. The case has prompted discussion about the potential need for prophylactic antibiotics after rat bites, given the risk of bacterial infections and the increasing prevalence of leptospirosis due to factors like climate change.

via Gizmodo|
#antibiotics#canadian-medical-association-journal#health