Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis

What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a bacteria that spreads through water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals such as rodents and dogs. The bacteria can survive for weeks to months in urine contaminated water and soil, but it is killed by exposure to ultraviolent (UV) rays in sunlight and by drying out.  

Symptoms in People 

Leptospirosis illness in people typically starts one to two weeks after exposure. Symptoms may be mild or absent in most cases but can include:

  • Fever and chills
  • Headache
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
  • Red eyes and discharge
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhea 

Symptoms in Animals 

  • Fever 
  • Lethargy 
  • Loss of Appetite 
  • Vomiting 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Joint or muscle pain 
  • Eye/nasal discharge 
  • Changes in urination 
  • Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice) 

How Do People and Animals Get Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis infection can occur with exposure to contaminated water or wet soil in the mouth, nose, eyes or open wounds or cuts. 

If you or your pet are ill and you think it may be Leptospirosis, contact your medical provider for clinical guidance. Positive Leptospirosis tests in people will be reported to public health officials; positive Leptospirosis tests in pets may be reported to public health officials.  

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
  • 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 Northwest 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 rare in California and to date, no human cases have been identified in connection with these animal infections. City of Berkeley has identified two cases of Leptospirosis in humans not related to the 8th and Harrison Street encampment. Additional details can be found below: