Bat Diseases
Histoplasmosis
Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by a microscopic fugus called Histoplasma. The fungus occurs naturally in the environment and soils that contain large amounts of bird feces and bat guano. In addition, structures (such as attic spaces) infested with bat guano could potentially contain fungus spores. People can get histoplasmosis after breathing in fungal spores from the air.
For more information about histoplasmosis, visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Histoplasmosis is not visible to the naked eye and can only be seen with a microscope. Time from exposure to showing signs of infection can take 3-17 days. Signs and symptoms of histoplasmosis include fever, cough, fatigue, chills, headache, chest pain, and body aches.
Histoplasmosis does not affect bats or birds that carry the fungus in their feces. The fungus only effects other animals or humans that breathe in the spores.
Histoplasmosis is more likely to affect people who have HIV/AIDs or a weakened immune system. Most people who breathe in the spores do not get sick. Those who do get sick have flu-like symptoms and get better on their own without medication. However, individuals with weakened immune symptoms can develop a severe infection, especially if the infection spreads from the lungs to other parts of the body. Dogs and cats are also susceptible to this disease.
If there are bird feces or bat guano in or near your home, you should have it cleaned up, if possible. If it cannot be cleaned up, the area should be left undisturbed. Large accumulations of bat feces can create health concerns when it is in a confined, indoor space where it could dry out and become dust-like. See this document for how to safely clean and remove bat droppings or hire a professional company.
White-nose Syndrome
White-nose syndrome is a disease that affects hibernating bats and is caused by a species of fungus (Pseudogymnoascus destructans; Pd for short) which grows in cold, damp environments. The fungus grows on the bats bare skin (e.g. the face and nose) and causes them to come out of their inactive winter state, which burns off their stored fat reserves and leads to eventual death. White-nose syndrome was first confirmed in North Carolina in 2011 and has continued to spread since it’s initial discovery. NCWRC biologists are actively trying to monitor the disease by conducting yearly surveying efforts across the state.
Only bats that hibernate for the winter are susceptible to WNS and smaller species (e.g. little brown bats and tricolored bats) are more at risk than larger species.
One of the primary signs of WNS is the presence of white fungus on a bats face, wings, ears and/or tail. It can also cause holes and spotting to occur on the wings of affected bats. Bats flying around outside during colder temperatures, or clustered on the ground near the entrance of hibernation sites (e.g. caves, buildings, trees) are also possible indicators that these have contracted WNS.
WNS is known to cause mass mortality rates with 90-100% bat mortality reported in some caves.
There is no evidence that suggests that humans or any other animal can contract WNS. However, it is possible for fungal spores from the disease to survive for long periods of time on human clothes and hiking equipment, so it is important to disinfect your shoes, clothes, and accessories if you visit areas where bats are known to hibernate.