Bat Guano
Guano Overview
We are all aware that any sort of feces is gross, and no one wants to have to clean it up or deal with it. Any type of feces, be it animal or human, is a substance that can be full of things that can make you sick. It can contain any of the viruses, bacteria, or fungi that an animal may have or be ill with. This is the thing that can make exposure to fecal matter dangerous. Bat guano is a type of animal feces that can pose a danger all on its own, so guano removal should always be done by licensed professionals.
Disease and Dangers
Bats can carry a number of diseases and some of them can be transmitted via bat guano. One of the things that can be found in their guano is the Histoplasma capsulatum fungus. The spores of this fungus are dangerous to people when it is inhaled. These spores cause histoplasmosis, a fungal infection that can become a serious illness for people. It is not a contagious illness, but it can be easily contracted by a large population of people through the ventilation system of a building or home that has suffered an infestation of bats. This fungal infection can cause a wide range of different symptoms in a person who has been affected. On one hand, some people may have contracted it and they may not even know it. They may feel as though they have just suffered through a bad flu and their body fought it off without the intervention of medical assistance. Then, there are some cases that will require hospitalization and antifungal medications in order for the person to recover from the infection. Other cases can resemble tuberculosis and can be potentially fatal.
Histoplasmosis symptoms
- Fever
- A dry cough
- Shortness of breath
- Vision problems
- Other flu-like symptoms
Risks
There are certain people who are at a higher risk to contract the illness. They may be at a higher risk because of an already depleted immune system due to a previously existing condition that is compromising it. Others may be at a higher risk because of their profession and their job puts them in places where they are more likely to encounter bats. Construction workers, roofers, HVAC workers, and chimney sweeps have a naturally elevated risk. Some people can be at a higher risk due to their hobbies, such as spelunking and antiquing.
The best way to deal with this it to make sure that you are not put in harm’s way in the first place. If you believe that you are dealing with a bat infestation in your home, you will want to call the professionals of The Critter Team to remove bats from an attic. For those people whose job puts them at risk, they need to make sure that they are wearing the proper safety equipment so that they do not inhale the spores that may be in the air.