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HomeMy WebLinkAboutfaqs-lepto-1-2026-final-cobalameda Health.AlamedaCountyCA.gov/ACPHD Alameda County Vector Control Services and City of Berkeley Public Health Division have identified Leptospirosis infection in rats and two dogs during November and December of 2025 near the intersection of 8th and Harrison Streets in Northwestern Berkeley. Residents and their pets are encouraged to avoid contact with the soil and water in the immediate vicinity, including along Codornices Creek. Human Leptospirosis is also rare in California and to date, no human cases have been identified in connection with these animal infections. Frequently Asked Questions 1. How can I get Leptospirosis? Leptospirosis spreads through water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals such as rodents and dogs. The bacteria can survive for weeks to months in urine- contaminated water and soil, but it is killed by exposure to ultraviolent (UV) rays in sunlight and by drying out. Infection can occur with exposure to contaminated water or wet soil in the mouth, nose, eyes or open wounds or cuts. 2. What are the symptoms of Leptospirosis in pets? Symptoms of Leptospirosis infection in dogs may include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, joint or muscle pain, eye/nasal discharge, changes in urination, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin). Cats may be infected but may have milder or no symptoms. 3. What are symptoms of Leptospirosis in people? Leptospirosis illness in people typically starts one to two weeks after exposure. Symptoms may be mild or absent in most cases but can include fever, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), headache, eye redness and discharge, muscle aches, and vomiting or diarrhea. A small number of infections cause severe, potentially fatal illness. 4. I am experiencing symptoms that I think may be due to Leptospirosis – what should I do? If you are ill and you think it may be Leptospirosis, contact your medical provider for clinical guidance. Positive Leptospirosis tests will be reported to public health officials. 5. I am concerned about the presence of rats/rodents or pests in and around my property. Residents and business concerned about rodents or pests on their property may contact Alameda County Vector Control Services and request an inspection online or request an inspection by calling (510)567-6800. 6. I have pets and live close to or frequent businesses near the 8th and Harrison Streets Encampment. What should I do to protect my pets? Ask your veterinarian about getting your dogs vaccinated against Leptospirosis. Leptospirosis vaccination is recommended for dogs. Keep all pets from entering or drinking from nearby water, mud, puddles, or Codornices Creek. Provide clean water for your pets and keep them away from sick or dead animals. 7. Is it safe to use the fields in the Albany/Berkeley area near where the dogs and rats have been found? The risk of Leptospirosis infections is low for the general public, including for those using the playing fields in the area. Rats are not known to burrow in the playing fields and sun exposure on the fields kills the bacteria. Field users should practice good hand hygiene, including handwashing with soap and water as well as cleaning and dressing skin injuries before and after field use. People and pets should not drink, wade, swim or touch water from Codornices Creek which is near the fields. If you retrieve any balls or equipment from Codornices Creek, wash hands and equipment thoroughly with fresh water. Field use should be avoided if there is creek flooding or standing water on the fields. 8. Is it safe to garden in the area where the dogs and rats have been found? The risk of Leptospirosis infections is low for the general public. Activities that can lead to skin injuries and contaminated water or soil exposure such as clearing brush or gardening could result in exposure if infected animals are nearby. Gardeners should practice good hand hygiene, including handwashing with soap and water as well as cleaning and dressing skin injuries before and after gardening. We recommend people and their pets do not drink, wade, swim or touch water from Codornices Creek. 9. Is it safe to shop, walk or drive near the 8th and Harrison Street Encampment? Yes. Leptospirosis is not transmitted via respiratory or aerosolized droplets and is not typically spread from human-to-human. Leptospirosis does not typically spread from dogs to humans. 10. We live in the area or my child goes to school in the area. Are we at risk of developing Leptospirosis illness? The risk of Leptospirosis infections is low for the general public. We recommend people and their pets do not drink, wade, swim or touch water from Codornices Creek. Everyone should practice good handwashing with soap and water after activities or playing in the area. 11. How do we advise the persons who prepare the fields for use? The risk of Leptospirosis infections for people who prepare the fields for use is low. Rats are not known to burrow in the playing fields and sun exposure on the fields kills the bacteria. Persons who prepare the fields for use should practice good hand hygiene, including handwashing with soap and water as well as cleaning and dressing skin injuries before and after contact with the field. Field preparation should be avoided if there is creek flooding or standing water on the fields. If field preparation is necessary when there is standing water on the fields, we recommend using disposable and waterproof foot coverings, eye protection, and gloves in wet areas and disinfecting tools with a diluted bleach solution (1:10 solution of bleach and water) after use. Always wear gloves and eye protection when working with bleach.