Leptospirosis
What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by germs found in water or soil that has urine from infected animals. People and many types of animals can get it. Without treatment, it can cause serious problems like kidney damage, liver failure, breathing trouble, or even death.
Signs in People
• Fever
• Headache
• Chills
• Muscle or body aches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Yellow skin or eyes
• Red eyes
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Skin rash
Signs in Animals
• Sudden fever and shaking
• Very tired or weak
• Not wanting to move
• Not eating and losing weight
Symptoms usually start 2 to 30 days after contact. If you think you or your pet were exposed, contact your doctor or vet right away.
How Do People and Animals Get It?
• Touching or being in water or soil with urine from infected animals
• Drinking or eating food contaminated with infected urine
• Touching body fluids from an infected animal
Treatment
Leptospirosis is treated with antibiotics. Getting treatment early helps prevent severe illness and helps you get better faster. Death is rare but can happen without treatment.
How to Protect Yourself
• Avoid water that may have urine from infected animals, especially after heavy rain or floods
• Stay away from animals that might be infected
• Keep updated on areas with leptospirosis cases
• Wear waterproof clothing and cover cuts before entering water or touching soil that may be contaminated
Leptospirosis News Updates
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. Additional details can found below by clicking on the links.