An alarming outbreak of a dangerous bacteria has surfaced at a homeless camp in the Bay Area, sparking quick reactions in Los Angeles, where officials are concerned it may already be spreading.
The bacteria, known as leptospirosis, was detected in rats at a camp in Berkeley, prompting health officials to urgently warn homeless individuals to evacuate.
They’ve instructed them to move at least a third of a mile away from the affected “red zone,” which encompasses several blocks, as quickly as they can.
This bacterial infection can be contracted by humans through contaminated water or surfaces.
The symptoms resemble the flu, including fever, headaches, and vomiting, appearing within 5 to 14 days. If untreated, it can lead to severe outcomes like organ failure, internal bleeding, meningitis, and even death.
One local official remarked on the dire conditions, “It’s a breeding ground for disease, and people are living in poor conditions, surrounded by garbage and human waste. It’s a petri dish.”
Tracy Park, a council member in Los Angeles, echoed these concerns, noting that conditions in her district, particularly Venice, mirror those in Berkeley. “It’s just a matter of time before it happens here,” she stated.
The situation in Berkeley has raised alarm about the potential presence of the bacteria in Los Angeles, especially since the city’s Homeless Services Office isn’t currently testing encampments for it.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health chose not to address inquiries about the outbreak directly, instead directing questions to the Department of Homeless Services.
Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, an infectious disease expert from the University of Southern California, emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring of factors contributing to this disease, such as rats and dogs. “Good public health includes regular and ongoing monitoring,” he expressed.
The Berkeley City Health Department has confirmed that leptospirosis has been found in several rats and two dogs in the area, marking it as a serious risk for both humans and animals.
Efforts to clear the camp in Berkeley were thwarted in June 2025 by a federal court ruling, which found that officials had not provided sufficient notice and had violated the Americans with Disabilities Act for residents with disabilities.
Leptospirosis thrives in environments lacking basic services like plumbing and sanitation, making such encampments especially vulnerable to outbreaks.
While leptospirosis can be treated with antibiotics and supportive care for severe cases, the disease poses significant risks. In November, an outbreak in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa resulted in at least 12 fatalities, highlighting the disease’s potential lethality. According to CDC data, nearly 60,000 people die from it annually.
As of Friday, many homeless individuals were still present at the Berkeley camp, even with warning signs posted about the infection.
One resident, Erin Spencer, shared that her puppy had contracted leptospirosis and died, yet she had no intention of leaving the camp. “It’s carried by rats around here,” she noted while petting her remaining dog, Bastet. “That’s what I knew.”
Councilman Park indicated that the living conditions in Los Angeles, where cleanliness is difficult due to lack of showers and proper sanitation, could be allowing the disease to spread unnoticed. “I think it’s already happening,” she said.
