Dear AUSD Community,

The safety of our students is our main priority, and we want to share an update about a situation we have been closely monitoring. Albany Unified has been in communication with the City of Berkeley Public Health Department and is following their guidance after leptospirosis was detected at the Harrison Street encampment. 

On Wednesday morning, January 14, Ocean View staff were notified because the situation had a tangential connection to the school campus, and this information could provide context and background in case of a broader spread. UC Village residents were informed separately by UC Berkeley, as the situation occurred on UC Berkeley property and directly involved their residential community. This approach ensured that each group received timely and accurate information from the appropriate responsible agency.

At that time, Albany Unified took a watchful waiting approach before communicating with families. As reflected on this public webpage, the City of Berkeley has not issued any updates to this notice in the past 13 days. While the situation is understandably concerning, the precautionary guidance provided by public health officials was shared directly with UC Village residents, and no additional actions were recommended for schools beyond continued monitoring. We remain committed to communicating promptly with our community when a health concern directly impacts our schools.

If you or your family members are in the area bounded by Codornices Creek (the creek running a block north of Harrison Street and south of University Village), Gilman Street, San Pablo Avenue, and the railroad tracks, please follow the recommendations below suggested by City of Berkeley Public Health Department. 

Sincerely,

Sara Stone

Superintendent

Albany Unified School District

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wed, Jan 14, 9:23 AM (13 days ago)

Dear Ocean View Staff,

We have been made aware of a situation in UC Village and are sharing the information with you. The City of Berkeley has issued a Public Health Alert, Addressing Leptospirosis at Harrison Street Encampments. The Harrison Street encampment is located south of University Village. The Alert defines a “Red Zone” which includes several blocks of Harrison Street, and some adjoining blocks. University Village is included in a “Yellow Zone” where precautionary measures are suggested. 

AUSD has reached out to City of Berkeley Public Health Division and they confirmed the following: 

“Ocean View Elementary is located in the green zone, and at this time there is no known increased risk. You should continue with your normal rodent abatement and monitoring procedures through your pest management company.”

AUSD Maintenance personnel have been informed and we are watching the situation carefully. Our pest management company will continue regular inspections.

University Village Residents, who are in the “Yellow Zone” are advised in the Alert linked above to do the following:

“VII. GUIDANCE FOR THE SURROUNDING NEIGHBORHOOD (YELLOW ZONE) This area indicates Lower Risk of exposure and Transmission of Leptospirosis. These lower risks are strongly tied to having indoor shelter, functional plumbing, secure garbage, safe food storage and the ability to prevent rat infestations in their home or business. The Yellow Zone is the 1/3-mile area surrounding the encampment red zone. In the lower risk yellow zone there is no evidence of active transmission of Leptospirosis or of unmitigated rat populations. However, proximity to the encampment red zone creates risk and need for prevention efforts. 

Street Runoff: For the general public, treat the creek and all water in gutters or puddles on side streets within the 1/3-mile buffer as contaminated until transmission control goals are achieved at the encampment. Avoid walking or biking through standing water or touching the water in the creek. 

Pet Safety: Ensure dogs have the Leptospirosis vaccine. Keep pets on a short leash; bring water on walks, do not allow them to drink from other sources. If you have free roaming cats, consider also having them vaccinated for Leptospirosis.”

Although Ocean View Elementary is in the green zone, we wanted to keep you fully informed of this nearby situation. The safety of our staff and students is AUSD’s highest priority.

Thank you,

Sara Stone

Superintendent

Albany Unified School District