Berkeley Declares Homeless Encampment 'Red Zone' After Rat-Borne Leptospirosis Detected
City of Berkeley Public Health has issued a formal alert after confirming leptospirosis, a potentially serious rat‑borne bacterial infection, in multiple rats and dogs at homeless encampments along Harrison Street near Eighth Street in West Berkeley. Officials say rats and their urine are the primary vectors, with transmission occurring when contaminated water or mud contacts eyes, nose, mouth or skin cuts, especially after heavy rain or flooding. The city has mapped public‑health risk zones, labeling the immediate encampment area as a high‑risk 'Red Zone' and surrounding blocks as a lower‑risk 'Yellow Zone,' and is strongly urging encampment residents to move at least one‑third of a mile away. Leptospirosis can cause flu‑like symptoms but may progress without antibiotics to kidney damage, liver failure, meningitis and, in rare cases, death in humans and animals. Residents and encampment occupants are being advised to avoid standing water and mud, wear protective clothing, monitor themselves and pets for symptoms, and seek immediate medical care if exposed or ill.
📌 Key Facts
- City of Berkeley Public Health confirmed leptospirosis in multiple rats and dogs at homeless encampments along Harrison Street near Eighth Street in West Berkeley.
- Officials designated a high‑risk 'Red Zone' within the encampment and a surrounding 'Yellow Zone,' and urged residents to move at least one‑third of a mile away.
- Leptospirosis spreads through contact with water or soil contaminated by infected animal urine and, without antibiotics, can lead to kidney damage, liver failure, meningitis, breathing problems and, rarely, death.
📊 Relevant Data
Black Californians represent 7% of the state's population but 29% of those who accessed homelessness services.
Homeless Data Integration System - California Interagency Council — California Interagency Council on Homelessness
In California, the two leading causes of homelessness are economic hardship and lack of affordable housing.
Causes of Homelessness - City of Arcadia, CA — City of Arcadia
People experiencing homelessness in California face high rates of chronic illness and disability, with nearly half of adults reporting a physical disability.
California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness — UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative
The national incidence rate of leptospirosis in the United States was 0.48 cases per 100,000 population between 2014 and 2020, with cases increasing annually.
Epidemiological, temporal, and geographic trends of leptospirosis in the United States, 2014–2020 — PubMed
Berkeley's unsheltered homeless population decreased by 45% from 2019 to 2022, with a further 3% decrease in Alameda County by January 2024.
Homeless count shows 45% drop in unsheltered people in Berkeley — Berkeleyside
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