Health
Homeless encampment at center of health alert over rat-borne disease
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
encampment in Berkeley, California.
Leptospirosis, which is caused by Leptospira bacteria, is a zoonotic infection that can be passed from animals to people.
The disease has been confirmed in multiple rats and dogs at the homeless encampments along Harrison Street near Eighth Street in West Berkeley, according to an alert from City of Berkeley Public Health.
SPACE EXPERIMENTS REVEAL NEW WAY TO FIGHT DRUG-RESISTANT SUPERBUGS, SCIENTISTS SAY
Rats and their urine are the primary vectors of the disease, officials warned. It can also be transmitted through contaminated soil or water exposed to infected animal urine.
“People or animals who touch or drink contaminated water or mud are potentially exposed to the bacteria,” the alert stated. “The disease is transmitted to humans and animals when the contaminated water touches mucous membranes, such as eyes, nose, mouth or skin cuts. This disease is not spread in the air or by coughing or sneezing.”
Health officials are warning of a dangerous bacterial infection that has been detected at a homeless encampment in Berkeley, Calif. (iStock)
There is a higher risk after heavy rainfall, flooding or hurricanes, as this increases contact with infected water or soil.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
Leptospirosis typically causes flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, headache, body aches, vomiting or nausea, according to the CDC. Infected people may also experience yellowed eyes or skin, rash, stomach pain or diarrhea.
Rats and their urine are the primary vectors of the disease, officials warned. It can also be transmitted through contaminated soil or water exposed to infected animal urine. (iStock)
Without antibiotic treatment, the disease can lead to serious illness, including kidney damage, liver failure, meningitis and difficulty breathing. In rare cases, it can be fatal to humans and animals, health officials say.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Illness usually begins between two and 30 days of exposure to the bacteria, according to the CDC. People generally start feeling better within a few days or weeks, but recovery without treatment could take several months.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“The presence of rats that are transmitting leptospirosis has made the area unsafe for human encampment conditions in the vicinity of Harrison Street encampments in the area generally bounded by San Pablo Avenue, Gilman Street, Codornices Creek and the railroad tracks,” the alert stated.
The disease has been confirmed in multiple rats and dogs at the homeless encampments along Harrison Street near Eighth Street in West Berkeley, according to an alert from City of Berkeley Public Health. (iStock)
The city has designated public health risk zones, with the Red Zone marking the highest risk area inside the encampment. Surrounding areas have been defined as the Yellow Zone, with an elevated but lower risk.
“The City’s Health Officer strongly recommends that encampment residents move out of the defined encampment ‘RED ZONE’ area as soon as possible and at least ⅓ of a mile away due to the public health risk caused by the rat infestation transmitting leptospirosis in the area,” officials advised.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
Residents in the area are encouraged to avoid contact with standing water and mud, use protective clothing and monitor themselves and their pets for signs of illness.
Anyone who has been exposed or is experiencing symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A viral wellness trend asks a simple question — is warm or cold water healthier? — but the science behind it is more nuanced.
Previous research shows that food and beverage temperature has a measurable effect on things like anxiety and gut discomfort.
One of the most long-standing health claims is that ice-cold water boosts calorie burn by forcing the body to heat it up. While this is grounded in science, the actual impact may be minimal.
Ultimately, experts say, the health impact of water temperature depends on the goal — weight loss, athletic performance, digestion or comfort.
Does cold water boost weight loss?
“As per research, in the 90 minutes after consuming cold or room temperature water, energy expenditure increases minimally by 2.9% (cold water) and 2.3% (room temperature),” Tanya Freirich, a registered dietitian and diabetes expert in North Carolina, told Fox News Digital.
Extra water may suppress the appetite or may play a part in energy production and expenditure, experts say. (iStock)
While the body does expend energy to warm up cold water, Freirich noted that it’s “not significant enough to make it worthwhile” for weight loss. Hot water doesn’t exactly melt fat, however, she added.
For those looking to lose or manage weight, Freirich suggests focusing on “how much” rather than “how cold.” She pointed to research involving overweight women who added an extra 1.5 liters of water to their daily intake. Over eight weeks, the participants saw measurable weight loss.
YOUR BEDROOM TEMPERATURE COULD BE PUTTING YOUR HEART IN SERIOUS DANGER, STUDY WARNS
“The extra water may suppress the appetite or may play a part in energy production and expenditure,” Freirich said. The temperature of drinking water should not affect how well the body utilizes nutrients, she added, noting that more research is needed.
For those exercising in heat and humidity, the goal should be to rehydrate without excessive fluid loss through sweat. Research on thermoregulation suggests there is an ideal water temperature for athletes.
The temperature of drinking water should not affect how well the body utilizes nutrients, according to an expert. (iStock)
While drinking water can trigger sweating as the body regulates its temperature, 60.8 degrees Fahrenheit was associated with the least amount of perspiration.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
“Cool, but not cold,” Freirich emphasized. Drinking water in this specific range helps the body rehydrate efficiently without causing gastrointestinal distress.
Warm water and digestion
There are several reasons someone might opt for warm water, including its effect on relaxation and digestion. Studies have found that warmer liquids can accelerate gastric emptying, effectively waking up the gut.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
The benefits may be mental as well. Freirich points to research showing that hot black tea leads to lower levels of cortisol — the body’s primary stress hormone — and greater subjective relaxation after stressful tasks.
The preference for warm water often stems from its effect on the rest and digestion. Studies have found that warmer liquids can accelerate gastric emptying, effectively waking up the gut. (iStock)
Medical triggers
Freirich warns that very cold water can cause difficulty for those with swallowing disorders, or can trigger migraines and “brain freeze” in people with sensitive nerves.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Furthermore, those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may find that ice-cold drinks trigger digestive discomfort.
Ultimately, the best temperature is the one that encourages people to drink, the dietitian said. The general recommendation for adults is to consume seven to eight glasses of water per day.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“Most importantly, it is important for everyone to stay adequately hydrated,” Freirich said.
Related Article
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Top stories
→ Origin of deadly cancer affecting young adults revealed in alarming report
→ Scientists make startling discovery when examining prostate cancer tissue
→ Seniors over 80 who eat specific diet may be less likely to reach 100
Colorectal cancer rates are surging among younger adults, with those 65 and under now comprising 45% of new diagnoses compared to 27% in 1995. (iStock)
On the lookout
→ Brain aging may accelerate after cancer treatment
→ Ozempic-style drugs could slash complication risks after heart attacks
→ Aging process could accelerate due to ‘forever chemicals’ exposure
Weight-loss drugs may prevent deadly heart complications by opening blocked blood vessels after heart attacks, groundbreaking new research reveals. (iStock)
Conversation starters
→ Do collagen supplements really improve skin? Major review reveals the truth
→ ChatGPT could miss your serious medical emergency, study suggests
→ Diabetes surge could be driven by ‘healthy’ breakfasts, doctor warns
Medical advances
→ Diabetes breakthrough approach could protect cells and prevent disease
→ Decades-old seizure drug could have potential for Alzheimer’s prevention
Stat of the week
More than 59% of women are predicted to have high blood pressure by 2050.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
Related Article
Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.
Use escape to exit the menu.
Sign Up
Create a free account to access exclusive content, play games, solve puzzles, test your pop-culture knowledge and receive special offers.
Already have an account? Login
Not done yet: Khalil Mack agrees to contract extension with Chargers
Protesters come out for Iran in spots across Europe
Trump vows to ‘take care of Cuba,’ praises Venezuela cooperation at summit
Cincinnati mayor opposes judge’s move to grant bail to convicted felon linked to mass shooting gun battle
Rangers unveil statue at home ballpark, reigniting historical context debate
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
Protesters come out for Iran in spots across Europe
Trump vows to ‘take care of Cuba,’ praises Venezuela cooperation at summit
Tech company at odds with Pentagon warns its AI possibly gained consciousness, Elon Musk gives 2-word response
Israel kills father, daughter in Gaza as genocide continues amid wider war
Cleveland playground now a place of mourning for two girls found in suitcases
-
Wisconsin6 days agoSetting sail on iceboats across a frozen lake in Wisconsin
-
Massachusetts5 days agoMassachusetts man awaits word from family in Iran after attacks
-
Maryland7 days agoAM showers Sunday in Maryland
-
Florida7 days agoFlorida man rescued after being stuck in shoulder-deep mud for days
-
Oregon1 week ago2026 OSAA Oregon Wrestling State Championship Results And Brackets – FloWrestling
-
Pennsylvania2 days agoPa. man found guilty of raping teen girl who he took to Mexico
-
News1 week ago2 Survivors Describe the Terror and Tragedy of the Tahoe Avalanche
-
Education1 week ago
After F.B.I. Raid, Los Angeles School Board Discusses Superintendent