Homelessness and Urban Policy

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.