Life-threatening rat pee infections reach record levels in NYC

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the rise in leptospirosis cases in New York City, a life-threatening bacterial infection typically spread through rat urine. It provides details on the symptoms, causes, and impact of the infection, as well as the city's efforts to address the growing rat population and the potential role of climate change in the increase of cases.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Leptospirosis in New York City

1. What is the current situation with leptospirosis cases in New York City?

• The number of leptospirosis cases in New York City has reached a record high, with 24 cases reported in 2023 as of April 10th.
• Between 2001 and 2020, the city averaged just 3 leptospirosis cases per year, but this increased to an average of 15 cases per year between 2021 and 2022.
• The city has seen a concerning increase in leptospirosis cases, which is attributed to the growing rat population and climate change factors.

2. What are the symptoms and potential consequences of leptospirosis?

• Leptospirosis can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, and cough.
• If left untreated, leptospirosis can become severe, leading to kidney failure, liver damage, jaundice, hemorrhage, bloody eyes, respiratory distress, and potentially death.

3. How does leptospirosis spread and what are the risk factors?

• Leptospirosis is caused by spirochete bacteria of the genus Leptospira, which infect rats and are shed in their urine.
• The bacteria can jump to humans through direct contact with open wounds or mucous membranes.
• Risk factors include living or working in environments with rat urine, contaminated soil and water, or materials frequently contaminated with rat urine, such as trash bags or food waste bins.

4. What is the city doing to address the leptospirosis problem?

• The city has made fighting the rat population a key initiative, with Mayor Eric Adams focusing on this as a priority.
• The city council has proposed a new strategy to curtail the rat population, which involves the use of salty pellets as a form of birth control.
• The city's health department has also issued a health advisory, advising clinicians to be on the lookout for leptospirosis cases and providing guidance on treatment.

[02] Leptospirosis in Other Locations

1. Are leptospirosis cases a concern in other locations besides New York City?

• Yes, leptospirosis is not just a problem in New York City. The article mentions a case reported in the Netherlands, where an 18-year-old developed leptospirosis after falling into a canal likely contaminated with rodent urine.