USA: Two men in Rochester, New York, tragically lost their lives after inhaling harmful fungal spores from bat faeces. The bat droppings are commonly known as guano. They were planning to use the guano as fertilizer for growing cannabis plant. The two men contracted a rare lung infection called histoplasmosis. This is caused by a fungus commonly found in bat and bird faeces. Despite receiving medical treatment, their conditions worsened and they succumbed to the infection.The details of the case is published in the Open Forum Infectious Diseases Journal. One of the two men, aged 59, bought the guano online, believing it to be a natural plant fertilizer. The other man, aged 64, collected the bat poop from his home’s bat infested attic. Both intended to use the guano as cannabis fertilizer in boosting plant growth. This idea is promoted on online forums for cannabis cultivation. However, the unknowingly inhaled Histoplasma Copsulam, a fungus found in bat and bird.As informed by the doctors, the disturbing and inhaling of the spores can lead to fatal consequences. The man suffered from high fever, chronic cough, severe weight loss, and blood poisoning. Their condition worsened rapidly as they experienced respiratory failure. Unfortunately the doctor could not save them despite antifungal treatments and medical care.Histoplasmosis was once mostly reported in Ohio and Mississipi river. However, it is spreading across the USA including Central and eastern parts in an alarming rate. The infection is rare. There are two cases per 100,000 people reported annually.The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises against disturbing bat or bird droppings in areas like attics or caves. They advised to use professional cleaning services to reduce risks.
