Leptospirosis Detected in Berkeley Homeless Encampment
BERKELEY, CA — Public health officials reported on Monday that leptospirosis, a disease carried by rats that can be deadly but is treatable, has been found near a homeless encampment in Berkeley.
In 2025, several rats and at least two dogs tested positive for leptospirosis in the encampments along Harrison Street, located south of Albany and UC Berkeley’s University Village. Berkeley’s Health Officer, Noemi Doohan, issued a statement suggesting that residents of the encampments should evacuate the area identified as a “red zone,” which is bordered by San Pablo Avenue, Gilman Street, Codornices Creek, and the Berkeley railroad tracks.
“Any belongings taken from encampments that have come into contact with mud or standing water should be disinfected,” Doohan emphasized in the advisory. “Leaving these areas immediately will reduce the risk not only for the residents and their dogs but also for the surrounding neighborhood. It will also help the city manage the current spread of leptospirosis linked to the local rat population.”
Leptospirosis is typically found in contaminated water or soil, especially after flooding. The disease spreads through the urine of infected animals, such as dogs and rodents, and can persist in affected areas for over a month, health officials noted.
Symptoms can emerge anywhere from 2 to 30 days after exposure, often resembling flu-like issues, including chills, headaches, and muscle pain, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Severe symptoms could arise later, potentially leading to kidney or liver failure or meningitis. There are also cases where the disease shows no symptoms, but if untreated, it can be fatal.
UC Berkeley officials released a statement on Monday, urging those in nearby university housing to take necessary precautions to avoid contact. Recommendations included maintaining good hygiene, especially after touching soil, protecting any cuts, staying away from Codornices Creek, wearing protective clothing while landscaping or plumbing, and keeping pets away from puddles or areas where rodents might be active.
