Lepto warning for humans also. . .

[edelweiss]

My friend Mary just shared this w/me on FB:
On Sunday a family went to picnic with a few drinks in tin cans. Monday, two family members were admitted to the hospital and placed in Intensive Care Unit. He died on Wednesday. Autopsy results concluded it was Leptospirosis. The virus was stuck to the tin cans and consumed, without the use of glasses / cups. Test results showed that the tin was contaminated because mice urinated on them, and then it dried. The urine contained Leptospira. I Highly recommend to rinse the parts evenly on all soda cans before drinking it. Cans are usually stored in the warehouse and delivered direct to retail stores without cleaning. A study shows that the top of all beverage cans are more contaminated than public toilets (full of germs and bacteria.)So, clean it with water before drinking in order to prevent this from occurring. Please Share!

[aprilb]

That is just awful, Sandi!! Fortunately, we do not drink out of cans...but a lot of people do...thank you so much for this important information..I will pass it along...

[edelweiss]

April, we live in rat city so I am just sitting here wondering what else I have to worry about concerning rat urine---and Lisi is overdue for the shot---and she isn't getting it!

[maltese manica]

Reading this is pretty freaky!!! Thanks for sharing this............... !!!!! We have to be careful with everything these days!!!!!!

[Yogi's Mom]

Gee Wiz!!!--Is Nothing Safe anymore? Thank you for this Info.

[piratelover]

I am so sorry to hear this. I have heard many times about rat urine. It is a scary thought. Best to wash those cans before use.

[Sylie]

If you think about it, why would you put your mouth on something that has been sitting on a supermarket shelf? Best to wash it first.

However, this story did not ring true to me. Mainly, because I don't see how the virus could live on a dry surface. Well, I had to google lepto. I read several articles, but this one addresses the actual story, which is apparently an internet hoax. Phew.

Lepto is usually contracted from contaminated water. I wouldn't let Lisi drink from a street puddle, but I don't think she would anyway.

Read this article so that you realize whether it is something to be afraid of or not so much.

snopes.com: Rat Urine and Soda Cans

[edelweiss]

Sylie, I did check Snopes but it was unclear if this might happen due to the last statement that said TRUE. And yes, Lisi would drink from a puddle on the street, or standing water on my balcony, where the rats might play at night while we are sleeping---they come to drink from the water dishes! My land-lady has poisoned 2 already this past year. DH killed one w/our stun gun a few yrs. ago at our other house! So, for me it is a valid fear!
Edit: this is a good balanced article:
http://www.idph.state.il.us/public/hb/hblepto.htm

[Sylie]

Originally Posted by edelweiss

Sylie, I did check Snopes but it was unclear if this might happen due to the last statement that said TRUE. And yes, Lisi would drink from a puddle on the street, or standing water on my balcony, where the rats might play at night while we are sleeping---they come to drink from the water dishes! My land-lady has poisoned 2 already this past year. DH killed one w/our stun gun a few yrs. ago at our other house! So, for me it is a valid fear!

I see that. Also, Lepto is a more serious threat in warm climates. MiMi wants to have a word with Lisi. A princess only drinks out of her OWN bayou bowl, and only when it is clean and fresh filtered water has just been poured in. Tell her MiMi said so

Seriously, I think it is nice when store owners put out bowls of water on the street for passing dogs, but I would never let my dog drink from a public bowl...not that she would.