Leptospirosis Outbreak Linked to Rat Breeding Claims One Life

WHO:

The Berkeley Scanner - A man in his 70s died from leptospirosis; a woman in her 70s who lived with him got sick but recovered.

Berkeleyside - City Manager Paul Buddenhagen and Public Health Officer Dr. Noemi Doohan are involved in addressing the outbreak.

WHAT:

The Berkeley Scanner - The man died after living in a "severely rat-infested RV"; the woman was hospitalized for a "lengthy" period.

Berkeleyside - The outbreak has resulted in the first known human cases of leptospirosis in Berkeley in over a decade.

Berkeleyside - Approximately 40 tons of trash have been removed from the Harrison Street camp since February to control rat populations.

The Berkeley Scanner - Nearly 200 rats were removed from the RV before it was destroyed.

WHERE:

The Berkeley Scanner - The couple lived in an RV at Fifth and Virginia streets, about 1 mile from the Harrison Street encampment.

Berkeleyside - The outbreak is centered around a large encampment in North Berkeley, specifically near the intersection of Eighth and Harrison streets.

WHEN:

The Berkeley Scanner - The couple fell ill in May; the man died in May.

Berkeleyside - The city confirmed the cases in May; the outbreak warning was issued in January after positive tests in rats and dogs in late 2025.

WHY:

The Berkeley Scanner - The couple had been trapping, feeding, and breeding wild rats in their RV, which contributed to their illness.

Berkeleyside - The disease spreads through rat urine contaminating standing water, posing a risk to those living in close proximity to rats.

HOW:

The Berkeley Scanner - The couple did not seek medical care for weeks and possibly months after getting sick, which contributed to the severity of their disease.

Berkeleyside - Health officials recommend that dog owners ensure their pets are up to date on leptospirosis vaccines and advised residents to keep food and water in sealed containers to avoid attracting rats.

(UPDATED June 11, 2026 08:30 UTC)

A man in his 70s has died from leptospirosis, while a woman in her 70s who lived with him has recovered after a lengthy hospitalization; both had been living in a severely rat-infested RV near Fifth and Virginia streets. This outbreak marks the first known human cases of leptospirosis in Berkeley in over a decade, prompting city officials, including City Manager Paul Buddenhagen and Public Health Officer Dr. Noemi Doohan, to take action after positive tests in rats and dogs were reported in late 2025. Health officials are urging residents to secure food and water to deter rats and recommend that dog owners ensure their pets are vaccinated against leptospirosis.