ABC7 Eyewitness : declared in Bacterial infection Leptospirosis caused by rat urine in Bronx kills 1, sickens 2 others

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that is most commonly spread by contact with rat urine and is very rarely spread from person to person. There are three cases of a bacterial infection caused by rat urine, one of them fatal, in the Bronx according to city officials.Borough President's office says they are monitoring the situation and in touch with the Health Department.Two patients were diagnosed in December and one in February. Two of the patients recovered while one has died.The Health Department released a statement saying, "The Health Department has identified a cluster of three cases of leptospirosis on one block in the Concourse area of the Bronx. "You can catch leptospirosis bacteria through open wounds and cuts in the skin, or the eyes, nose or mouth.Some people who are infected may have no symptoms, while others may have a mild illness with fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting or diarrhea. "The statement went on to say that while the illness is serious it is usually treatable with antibiotics.In the meantime, the Housing Preservation and Development and the Buildings Departments have immediately begun reducing the rat population in the area.They are also working to educate tenants about "precautions, signs, and treatment.

Bacterial infection linked to rat urine in NYC

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that is most commonly spread by contact with rat urine and is very rarely spread from person to person. - A cluster of cases of a rare bacterial infection that is spread by contact with rat urine has killed one person and sickened two others in the Bronx. The New York City Health Department says all of the cases are linked to one block in the Concourse area of the borough. Health officials warn to avoid contact with rats or with places where rats may have urinated. The Health Department says it is taking immediate measures to reduce the rat population in the area.


Please enable Javascript to watch this videoCONCOURSE, The Bronx — One person has died and two others were sickened after contracting an bacterial infection caused by rat urine in the Bronx, city officials say. Three cases of Leptospirosis has been identified in a block of the Concourse area of the Bronx, according to a statement released by the Health Department. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease spread by animal urine — in this case by rats. It is extremely rare in New York City and it is rarely spread person to person. The Health Department, in partnership with its sister agencies the Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and Buildings Departments (DOB), is working with building owners in the affected area to remediate rodent infestations.



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