Dear University Village Albany and xučyun ruwway residents, staff, and community members,
We are writing to share an important public health alert from the City of Berkeley’s Department of Public Health regarding the detection of Leptospirosis in the vicinity of the University Village Albany (UVA). We share the City’s notice below to ensure you, in particular those who work outside or spend time near the creek, stay informed and protected.
Alert from the City: https://berkeleyca.gov/
Why this is important
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can affect both humans and animals. It is typically spread through the urine of infected animals, most commonly rats, and can persist for weeks in soil or water. Because of UVA, xučyun runway and Gill Tract’s proximity to this area, it is important to take standard precautions to prevent exposure.
Recommended Precautions
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Avoid standing water: do not wade, swim, or enter standing water or Codornices Creek, especially after heavy rains. Please follow guidance of any signage placed along Codornices Creek or other bodies of water.
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Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands with soap and water after outdoor work or activities, before eating, and after any contact with soil (such as working in UVA community garden). Rinse and wash well any produce from the UVA gardens.
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Protect cuts and scrapes: Keep any cuts and scrapes covered with waterproof bandages.
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Wear protective gear: Employees working in landscaping, plumbing, or facility maintenance should wear appropriate PPE (gloves, boots, and eye protection) when working in wet areas
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Keep pets safe: Keep pets on a leash and away from puddles or areas with potential rodent activity. Ensure your pets are up to date on their vaccinations, and bring your pet to a vet if they are ill. Leptospirosis vaccine is available for animals, but not for humans.
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Promptly report any rodent activity to UC Berkeley Facilities Services emergency maintenance at (510) 642-1032; you may also contact the Village Office if you live at UVA, or contact your front desk if you live at xučyun runway.
Symptoms and Care
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Leptospirosis is often asymptomatic. If symptoms occur, they are typically “flu-like” in nature, with fever, headache, muscle aches (typically of the calves and lower back), red eyes, and sometimes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cough, and/or a skin rash. In 10% of cases, this can evolve to a more serious disease, often after apparent initial recovery. Early diagnosis and treatment prevents this.
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For medical care
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Students: please contact University Health Services (UHS) via the 24/7 Nurse Advice Line: (510) 643-7197. Students with SHIP can also make an appointment directly or walk in to Urgent Care.
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Faculty/Staff: seek care with your personal physician. If you are diagnosed with leptospirosis and believe you have had a work related exposure, you can contact the Occupational Health Clinic at 510-642-6891.
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It is essential that anyone seeking care for symptoms inform their clinician/nurse that they have been notified they may be at risk for Leptospirosis, to ensure appropriate testing and treatment.
If you have specific questions regarding workplace safety protocols, or environmental management contact EHS at 510-642-3073 and ehs@berkeley.edu.
Be well and stay safe!