Elite California college town races to stop outbreak of deadly tropical disease after dangerous bacteria found in homeless camp

Hippie college town Berkeley is sounding the alarm over a frightening outbreak of leptospirosis near a homeless encampment in the leafy Bay Area enclave.

The bacterial disease has been found in several rats and two dogs, posing a potentially fatal threat to animals and people, according to a health report from the Health, Housing, and Community Services Department.

The outbreak occurred near the encampment at Eighth Street and Harrison Street, with health officials asking the homeless there to relocate as a result.

Leptospirosis is usually asymptomatic in humans. If symptoms do occur, they are typically flu-like and can be treated with common antibiotics. In some people, the infection can become severe and potentially fatal.

The bacteria often thrive in places lacking basics like indoor plumbing, running water, or refrigerated food storage, turning the encampment into a prime breeding ground for an outbreak.

The disease is curable through the use oral antibiotics along with other forms of supportive care for people who become seriously ill. A two-shot vaccine is available for dogs and cats.