Two individuals in New York state have succumbed to a rare fungal lung infection, contracted from bat droppings. More specifically, they were exposed to or intended to utilize the droppings as fertilizer in their cannabis cultivation endeavors.
Both men, who are based in Rochester, shared a deep affection for “Mary Jane” and grew their own cannabis plants for personal consumption.
Unfortunately, they both contracted histoplasmosis, a condition caused by inhaling spores of a dangerous fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum found in bat excrement, or guano.
A 59-year-old man recently bought guano online to fertilize his cannabis plants, while a 64-year-old man discovered guano in his attic after dealing with a “heavy” bat infestation and planned to use it as a fertilizer for his cannabis plants.
Two men experienced a range of symptoms from their infections, which included fever, chronic cough, significant weight loss, blood poisoning, and respiratory failure. Despite receiving hospitalization and treatment with antifungal medication, both men unfortunately succumbed to their illnesses.
This information was reported in a study published on December 4th in the journal Open Forum Infectious Diseases.
The doctors who treated them cautioned that their deaths should act as a cautionary tale regarding the potential hazards of utilizing bat guano as a fertilizer for any type of plants. This concern may be of particular importance for individuals involved in cannabis cultivation.
The authors of the case report emphasized the need to raise public awareness about the potential risks associated with using bat guano as fertilizer, especially in light of the recent legalization of cannabis and the expected increase in home cultivation.
They noted that many articles promote bat guano as a “natural superfood” for cannabis plants because of its high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus.
Histoplasmosis, a form of pneumonia, occurs when an individual inhales spores of the fungus H. capsulatum, which can be found in soil as well as bird and bat droppings.
Once in the lungs, these spores transform into mature yeast and can potentially spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. It is important to note that this disease does not spread from person to person or from people to their pets.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), histoplasmosis affects approximately 1 to 2 individuals per 100,000 people in the United States each year. The majority of infections are concentrated in the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys. Although cases have been documented in 14 states, these regions are particularly prone to the disease.
Approximately 1% of individuals who come into contact with H. capsulatum experience symptoms. When symptoms do manifest, they typically appear within a span of three to 17 days after exposure. These symptoms often consist of fever, chills, muscle aches, and chest pain.
People with a history of lung disease and individuals who have weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of experiencing severe forms of histoplasmosis, which can persist for several months or even longer and prove fatal. It is alarming to note that between 5% and 7% of patients hospitalized with histoplasmosis succumb to the infection.
To reduce the risk of infection, the CDC also advises individuals to refrain from participating in activities that could potentially expose them to H. capsulatum. Examples of such activities include cleaning chicken coops or exploring caves.
The agency further recommends that professional companies handle the removal of large quantities of bird and bat droppings commonly found in infested attics.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice.
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