Person dies, another hospitalized for leptospirosis, public health officials say

June 11, 2026 - 15:37

Public health officials have confirmed that one person has died and another has been hospitalized due to leptospirosis, marking Berkeley's first known human cases of the bacterial disease in ten years. According to authorities, the two individuals were breeding rats inside a recreational vehicle, which is believed to have been the source of the infection.

Leptospirosis is spread through the urine of infected animals, most commonly rodents. The bacteria can enter the human body through cuts, scrapes, or mucous membranes after contact with contaminated water or soil. Symptoms often include high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, and vomiting, and can escalate to kidney or liver failure if left untreated.

Health officials have not released the identities of the victims but are urging anyone who may have been in close contact with the RV or its occupants to seek medical evaluation. The case has raised concerns about unsanitary living conditions and the risks of close-quarter animal breeding. Local authorities are now investigating whether additional public health violations occurred at the site. This is the first leptospirosis outbreak in Berkeley since 2014, and officials are reminding residents to avoid contact with stray animals or areas where rodent infestations are known.