A cluster of cases of a rare bacterial infection that is spread by contact with rat urine has killed one person and sickened two others in the Bronx. The New York City Health Department says all of the cases are linked to one block in the Concourse area of the borough. While one person has died, the other two have recovered and are doing well, according to health officials. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that is most commonly spread by contact with rat urine and is very
rarely spread from person to person. The illness can be serious but is treatable with readily available antibiotics. Two patients in the outbreak were diagnosed in December and one in February. The Health Department says it is taking immediate measures to reduce the rat population in the area. It says it is also trying to educate people who live in the area about precautions, signs, and treatment. READ MORE
