Chicago Bat Removal Tip:

4 Types of Diseases Bats May Carry

Bats have a reputation of carrying different pathogens that can be transmitted to humans. Some of the zoonotic diseases that they carry will not produce any symptoms while others will result in about 90 percent of death. You will also be surprised that most of the diseases related with them have only developed at the past couple of decades.

Different Diseases Carried by Bats

Bats are wild creatures, and they should always be treated as such to minimize contact with them and control the spread of the pathogens. If you cannot handle the bat infestation properly, allow the experts to deal with them. Here are some of the health risks related to the bats.

1. Rabies

Rabies is a type of viral infection that can be transmitted through the scratches and bites of an infected mammal such as the bats. While it is more common for other animals such as raccoons and skunks to be a carrier of rabies, bats are also considered as primary carrier in some states. The virus will attack our central nervous system and once the symptoms have started to manifest, it may already be too late to save the victim. Once you encounter a bat that is showing odd behavior or unable to fly, it is best to keep away from them.

2. Histoplasmosis

This is a respiratory ailment that is cause by the fungus called Histoplasma Capsulatum. They will often thrive in the nutrient-rich fecal matters of the bats and birds. Since the fungal spores are too light, it can be easily carried through the air if you disturbed the bat guano. Accidentally breathing the spores can increase the probability of contracting this disease. Usually, the symptoms will be similar to the flu virus. If this is not properly treated, condition can become severe and can lead to death on rare occurrences.

3. Marburg Virus

This virus is a strain of the deadly Ebola virus that can kill at least 90 percent of the people who contracted the disease. This is a disease that devastated the African region. If you have been infected with the disease, symptoms such as headaches, chills, and fevers, will start to manifest. The symptoms will gradually become severe that will soon lead to death. Diagnosis of this diseases can only be done in the specialized laboratory.

4. Henipavirus

The henipavirus is a disease carried by the bats. There are two strains of this disease, the Nipah and the Hendra virus that affects the bats in Southeast Asia and Australia. The illness can usually be so severe and at times fatal. HEC (Hendra) was first reported among the horses before it gradually move to the humans. NIC (Nipah) on the other hand, was first diagnosed on pigs and then it infected the humans. Fruit bats are the primary carrier of this disease.

New strains of virus are being introduced every year. Those that already exist have already adapted and can now affect the humans. In case you think that the bat that you encounter is a possible carrier of these disease, be sure to keep away from them.