LOS ANGELES — California beachgoers should be on the lookout for sea lions sickened by an outbreak of leptospirosis — a kidney disease that can result in severe symptoms in both humans and animals.

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 wate

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