Person dies in New York after outbreak of killer rat diease
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.New York City health department officials are targeting a Bronx neighborhood after one person died and two others became severely ill from contracting a rare disease transmitted by rats.
The three cases of leptospirosis occurred in the last two months within a one block radius.
Although New York City typically gets one to three cases of leptospirosis every year, city officials said it's the first time a cluster of cases has been identified.
"This illness can be serious but is treatable with readily available antibiotics," health officials said in a statement.
Infections commonly occur through exposure to rat urine. It can be contracted through open wounds and cuts in the skin, or through the eyes, nose or mouth. The disease is rarely spread from person to person.
The city said it's reducing the rat population in the area and educating residents about the disease.
In a building in which one of the patients was diagnosed with leptospirosis, health officials said they found signs of rat infestation in the basement.
At an emergency meeting Wednesday night, angry residents complained about the rat problem and blasted city officials and the building's owner for failing them.
Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio later released a statement saying the city was "working with housing advocates and tenants to lodge an action against the landlord to take over operations."
Twenty-six cases of leptospirosis were reported in New York City between 2006 and 2016, according to health department figures.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments