Outbreak is killing sea lions; humans and dogs at risk too

As summer heats up and tourists flock to the California coast, beachgoers should be on the lookout for sea lions sickened by a recent outbreak of leptospirosis — a kidney disease that can result in severe symptoms in both humans and animals.

- BY SUMMER LIN

A SEA LION in Pacific Grove. Rescuers have seen a surge in leptospirosis cases.

JUSTIN SULLIVAN Getty Images

The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito has reported a significant outbreak of leptospirosis in California sea lions since early July, affecting animals primarily in Central and Northern California, according to the center's public relations director, Giancarlo Rulli.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that causes kidney failure in marine mammals — notably, California sea lions, Rulli said. The Marine Mammal Center has responded to more than 200 sea lions that have shown symptoms, with 150 of those since the beginning of July.

Humans can get leptospirosis, contracting the illness through water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals. Symptoms in humans may include headache, muscle fever, aches, jaundice, vomiting, diarrhea and skin rash. The disease is typically treated with antibiotics.

The disease can be fatal in dogs, and because it's transmitted through contaminated water, it's especially concerning at the beach, according to Rulli.