NEW YORK (PIX11) – A potentially deadly disease found in rat urine is on the rise in New York City, according to health officials.
The disease, called leptospirosis, can easily spread in a city that has 3 million rats, officials said. At least six people have died in New York City from leptospirosis over the last two decades, according to health officials.
The highest amount of leptospirosis cases was reported last year in the Big Apple, officials said. Rat urine can be found on garbage cans and collected in puddles on the streets and sidewalks, according to health officials.
The disease isn't only potentially deadly to people, but to animals too. Veterinarians are urging pet owners to vaccinate their dogs against the disease.
Leptospirosis symptoms in humans include fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, red eyes and jaundice.
"People need to connect the dots. Plastic bags mean rodents. Get the plastic bags off our streets, you will have a major dent in the rat mitigation problem," Mayor Eric Adams said.
Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.
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