Durham Bat Removal Tip:

4 Things You Need to Know about Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is a disease that can be contracted by breathing the fugal spores that are found in the droppings of the birds and bats. Once the droppings have been disturbed (for instance while sweeping), the fungal spores are very light that it can be carried through the air. The disease can also be transmitted if you are in direct contact with a contaminated soil. Landscapers, farmers, or any person in contact with the soil are at risk of this disease.

What You Should Know About Histoplasmosis

Usually people who are infected with this disease will never develop any symptoms. You may also not be aware that you are a carrier of the disease. However, for people with a weakened immune system, the disease can be severe and may show alarming symptoms.

1. Symptoms of Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis will have different symptoms. If the disease is mild, it will not develop any type of symptoms and the disease will pass just like a common fever. Symptoms will usually manifest 17 days after you have been exposed to the fungal spores known as Histoplasma Capsulatum. Some of the symptoms will include chest discomfort, dry cough, fever, muscle pain, chills, and headaches. There are some cases when the disease will develop rashes. People who have a respiratory ailment can develop emphysema. During serious cases, the disease can affect the nervous system and may lead to organ failure.

2. Diagnosis of the Disease

A person that is supposedly infected with histoplasmosis will have to go through a chest x-ray. If the disease is acute, the result may show a diffused or normal modular. There should be lesions in the cavity of patients with pulmonary histoplasmosis. Some doctors will also perform tissue biopsy. This is necessary to understand the histology of the specimen.

3. Treatment of Histoplasmosis

Usually, this disease will simply pass without any form of treatment. Nonetheless, the doctor may still prescribe antifungal medicines that aims to cure the severe form of Histoplasmosis with chronic and pulmonary infections. One of the most common medications would be Itraconazole. Contingent upon the severity of the disease, treatment may range from 3-12 months.

4. Cause of the Disease

The histoplasmosis is caused by Histoplasma Capsulatum. The spores will be airborne once the material that is contaminated with the fungus has been disturbed. Those who have a history of being infected with the disease can still contract the disease. Nonetheless, the symptoms will be a lot milder compared to the first infection. The fungal spores can survive in the nutrient-filled fecal matters of birds and bats and on the soil. Therefore, the pathogens can often be found on barns, chicken coops, and caves.

Exposure to the fungal spores can be prevented by being careful on the place where you will commonly see the birds and bats. All contaminated areas will need to be sanitized to eliminate the fungal spores. Before you disturb the bat guanos, you should directly spray it with water to prevent the disease from being carried through the air.