Rare Tropical Disease Threatens California Homeless

Berkeley officials have issued a public health warning due to a rare bacterial disease, leptospirosis, impacting homeless encampments. Two dogs in a Harrison Street encampment tested positive for the illness, which is often fatal to both humans and canines. This disease, typically associated with tropical climates, is spread through rat urine and feces contaminating soil, posing a significant risk in unsanitary conditions.

Public health experts note that unhoused individuals are particularly susceptible to leptospirosis. While often asymptomatic, symptoms can include flu-like signs such as fever and muscle aches, potentially leading to severe complications. In response to the outbreak, Berkeley city officials are urging residents in affected encampments to evacuate a "red zoned" area immediately to reduce exposure risks.

The health crisis unfolds amidst a legal dispute over clearing the encampment. Advocates argue the city is using the outbreak as a pretext for eviction. Investigations into rat infestation are ongoing, with infested RVs slated for demolition. Cleanup efforts are expected to take at least 30 days, coinciding with the period leptospirosis can survive in soil.