Deadly Rat-Borne Disease Linked to RVs Near California Homeless Encampment

Two individuals contracted leptospirosis, a potentially deadly disease spread by rat urine, while living in a severely rat-infested recreational vehicle near a large homeless encampment in Berkeley, California. One of the individuals died following a lengthy hospitalization, while the other recovered.

The RVs were located approximately one mile from the homeless encampment at Eighth and Harrison streets, which officials had previously linked to an outbreak of the same disease due to its rat population. This development added to concerns about public health and safety at the site.

Berkeley city officials began clearing the encampment on Tuesday, September 17, 2026, after obtaining court approval to remove tents and structures. The encampment had been declared a fire hazard and a public nuisance. The city had faced multiple legal challenges and court orders that previously blocked efforts to clear the site, though officials were ultimately required to assist disabled residents with relocation.

Leptospirosis is an uncommon disease in the Berkeley area, more typically found in tropical climates. The illness can spread to humans through contact with the urine of infected animals, often through contaminated water or soil entering cuts in the skin or mucous membranes. Globally, approximately one million people contract leptospirosis annually, leading to an estimated 60,000 deaths.

The city's awareness of potential disease transmission began in December 2025 when veterinarians treated dogs exhibiting symptoms of illness. Subsequent testing confirmed that rats within the encampment were carrying the leptospirosis bacteria. This led to a public health warning and recommendations for precautions, including vaccination for pets.

The clearing of the encampment marks a significant step in addressing persistent public health and safety issues in the area, exacerbated by the discovery of the disease and the unsanitary conditions associated with the large, long-term homeless settlement.