New York City Health Officials Warn of Rat-Transmitted Bacterial Illnesses on the Rise

New York City health officials have issued a warning after 24 cases of a bacterial illness spread by rat urine were reported in 2023, marking the highest number of cases for any year. The disease, known as leptospirosis, is primarily associated with exposure to materials contaminated with rat urine from the Norway rat. As of now, only six cases have been reported this year, but there is a concerning upward trend, according to the New York City Department of Health.

Leptospirosis can lead to various symptoms, including fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, conjunctival suffusion, jaundice, and rash. If left untreated, it can result in kidney failure, meningitis, liver damage, and respiratory distress. The Deputy Commissioner for the Division of Disease Control, Celia Quinn, highlighted the severity of the disease in an April 12 memo, emphasizing that transmission occurs through direct contact with infectious urine or urine-contaminated water, soil, or food, entering the body through open wounds or mucous membranes.

From 2001 to 2023, the Bronx recorded the highest number of cases at 37, followed by Manhattan with 28. Additionally, the memo mentioned that six deaths were reported during the same time period. However, officials clarified that person-to-person transmission of the Leptospira bacteria is rare.

Environmental Factors

Quinn also addressed the environmental factors affecting the survival of the Leptospira bacteria, stating that it can die within minutes in dry heat and freezing cold. She noted, "The cold winters of NYC likely limit the extent to which leptospires can survive in the environment." However, she expressed concerns about excessive rain and unseasonably warm temperatures, which are associated with climate change and may facilitate the persistence of leptospires in more temperate areas like New York City.

The 24 cases reported in 2023 have raised alarms due to the significant surge compared to the average of three cases per year from 2001 to 2020. Notably, more than half of the cases reported last year were between June and October, coinciding with a warmer and wetter climate, with excessive rain and "unseasonably" warm days.

A study by a pest company revealed that over 3 million rats reside in New York City. Furthermore, Mayor Eric Adams attributed the city's rat infestation as a partial reason for many residents leaving, especially those with children and families who seek larger green spaces and outdoor recreational opportunities. Mayor Adams highlighted, "You don’t see animals except for rats in New York," emphasizing the urgent need to address the issue.

Mayor Adams assured that measures are being taken to address the rat infestation, acknowledging the necessity of addressing this pressing concern for the well-being of the city and its residents.