What is Leptospirosis: Human infections from rat urine on the rise in New York City [Video]

NEW YORK — The New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has released a health advisory after multiple cases of human leptospirosis — an infection that is associated to exposure to rat urine — have been reported so far this year in New York City.

There were 24 cases of leptospirosis in the city in 2023, higher than in any prior year, according to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

However, in the first quarter of this year alone, there have already been six to date.

“For comparison, the average number of locally acquired cases during 2021 to 2023 was 15 per year, and 3 cases per year during 2001 to 2020,” health officials said. “This year, 6 cases have been reported as of April 10, 2024.”

“Among the 98 locally acquired cases reported from 2001 to 2023, the median case age was 50 years (range 20 to 80 years), …