New York City issues health alert over rise of rat-borne disease that has ... trends now
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New York City has issued a health alert over the rise of rat-borne disease.
Cases of leptospirosis among people soared to its highest level in 2023, which is spread through contact with rat urine or feces.
In 2023 there were 24 cases reported in the city, which is eight times higher than total cases in the previous two decades.
So far in 2024, there have been six cases.
'Not only are rodents unsightly and can traumatize your day, but they're a real health-related crises,' said Mayor Eric Adams.
Rat-related illness soared to its highest level in 2023, with 24 cases reported in the city
Between 2001 and 2020, New York City was seeing just three cases of human leptospirosis a year. That jumped eightfold in 2023. So far in 2024, there have been six cases
When animals such as rats are infected with leptospirosis, they may have no symptoms of the disease.
But they may continue to excrete the bacteria into the environment continuously or every once in a while for a few months up to several years.
Humans can
