2024 Rat Pee Crisis : In New York City, There's Been An Increase In People Getting Sick From Rat Pee.

In April 2024, New York City is facing a health crisis due to an increase in cases of a sickness called leptospirosis. According to the Health Department, there were 24 cases of leptospirosis in 2023, the highest number they’ve seen in one year.

Leptospirosis comes from a bacteria called Leptospira. Animals like rats can have this bacteria in their pee. If people touch rat pee or things that have it, like dirt, water, or food, they can get sick too.

This year, there have been six cases of leptospirosis so far.

Before 2021, there were usually about three cases a year. But now, it’s gone up a lot.

2001 – 2003 No. Of Cases

From 2001 to 2023, New York had a total of 98 cases of this illness, and around a quarter of those happened in 2023 alone, based on information from the health department. A few folks got really sick, facing issues like kidney and liver failure or having trouble breathing. Sadly, six people passed away during this period.

Most of the cases were in men, and the average age when they got sick was around 50. The Bronx had the highest number of cases with 37, followed by Manhattan with 28, Brooklyn with 19, Queens with 10, and Staten Island with four.

When someone gets leptospirosis, they might feel very sick. They could have a high fever, headache, chills, and pains. It can be hard to tell it apart from other sicknesses.

Leptospirosis can happen in two stages. First, someone might feel sick and then feel better. But then they could get sick again, and it might be worse this time. They might have kidney or liver problems, or even meningitis.

It can take a few days to a few weeks to get better from leptospirosis. But if it’s not treated, it could take months.

What is Leptospirosis ?

Leptospirosis is a sickness which spreads from genus of spirochaete bacteria, including a small number of pathogenic and saprophytic species called Leptospira

How it Spreads ?

This germ typically hangs out in water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals, like rats, dogs, or farm animals. When someone comes into contact with this contaminated water or soil, especially through cuts or breaks in the skin, they can get sick

What are its symptoms ?

Symptoms can vary from mild flu-like symptoms to more severe issues like liver or kidney problems

Treatment

Doctors can treat leptospirosis with antibiotics.

If someone gets leptospirosis in NYC, they have to tell the city’s health department.

It’s important to know that you can get this sickness from other animals too, not just rats.

Leptospirosis is normally treated with antibiotics, such as doxycycline or penicillin, provided by a healthcare provider. The precise antibiotic and duration of treatment may differ based on the severity of the infection and other considerations. In addition to antibiotics, supportive care may be required to alleviate symptoms and consequences. Hydration, rest, and medicine to treat fever, discomfort, and nausea are all options.

If you suspect you have leptospirosis, seek medical attention right once, as early treatment can help prevent complications and decrease the course of the illness. Furthermore, if you have been in touch with polluted water or soil, or if you live in or have traveled to a region where leptospirosis is frequent, you must alert your healthcare professional.

2024 Rat Pee Crisis : In New York City, there’s been an increase in people getting sick from rat pee.

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