Rise in Human Infections Linked to Rat Urine Reported in New York City

If you’re thinking about visiting New York soon, you might want to think twice.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is waving a big red flag about a spike in human leptospirosis cases— the nasty bug that loves to hang out in rat urine.

NYC has had a record-breaking number of cases this year, with six popping up in just the first quarter. To put that into perspective, 2023 hit a high with 24 cases, the most NYC has seen in a single year.

Between 2001 and 2023, the typical person coming down with leptospirosis was about 50 years old and mostly male (94% of the time, to be exact). The Bronx leads the pack with 37 cases, followed by Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island bringing up the rear.

Now, leptospirosis isn’t just a walk in the park. It can cause kidney and liver issues and sometimes even breathing problems. Symptoms like fever, headaches, and muscle pain have also been reported. The bug takes 5 to 14 days to show itself but can remain in your system for up to 30 days. Without treatment, the risks are kidney failure, meningitis, liver damage, and breathing troubles.

From 2001 to last year, six New Yorkers have died because of this bug. Typically, people catch it through encounters with rat urine—like dealing with trash or hanging around places rats have turned into their personal restrooms.

It’s rare to catch it directly from another person, but The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene advises that people move cautiously with those who have been infected.

Leptospira can’t handle dry heat or freezing temps, which usually keeps them in check during NYC’s frosty winters. However, due to climate change, with more rain and freaky warm spells, it can stick around longer.

All cases of leptospirosis must be reported to the NYC Health Department within 24 hours, and further information is available on the NYC Health Department and CDC websites.

Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Disease Control, Celia Quinn, emphasized the importance of community and health sector cooperation, stating, “As always, we appreciate your collaboration in improving the health of New Yorkers and helping us direct remediation efforts in New York City.”