Salt Lake City Bat Removal Tip:

Top 4 Health Concern Related with Bats in the Attic

While most of the bats that we will encounter are considered healthy, it will not be impossible for us to come across a bat that is infected with the disease. Bats are possible carrier of virus and pathogens. Fortunately, the possibility of infection is considerably low. In case you notice that a bat is behaving strangely and acting aggressive towards you, it is best to stay away from them.

Health Hazards Related with the Bats in Your Attic

Disease from bats can be transferred to humans and pets through bites, scratches, or being exposed to the waste product of the bats such as their guano and urine. Once you notice that there has been an unusual death of bats in your area, you should immediately call the local animal biosecurity service to alert them about the possible outbreak of bat disease.

1. ABLV (Australian Bat Lyssavirus)

Humans can contract this virus through the saliva of an infected bat; when their saliva comes in contact with a broken skin or your mucous membrane or through the scratches and bites of the disease-carrying bat. The symptoms of the disease will be similar with the rabies virus and it is often lethal. As of today, there has been three cases of documented human ABLV disease. All the three incidents occur in Queensland, Australia.

2. Hendra Virus

The host of the Hendra virus would be the flying fox. The horse will then be infected with the disease by ingesting food that has been contaminated with the urine or saliva of the infected bat. Humans can then acquire the virus from the saliva of the infected horse. As of now, there has been no documented case of bats to human transmission.

3. Histoplasmosis

This is an uncommon respiratory infection that can be acquired by accidentally inhaling the fungus known as Histoplasma capsulatum found in the droppings of the birds and bats. Humans, pets, cattle, and other animals can be infected with this disease. People who are usually in direct contact with the bats and exposed on their fecal matter should wear face mask with HEPA filter to avoid inhaling the fungal spores. If you are cleaning the place of infestation, spray water directly on the guano to avoid disturbing the fungus.

4. Leptospirosis

This is another bacterial disease that can be transferred to human through a direct contact with their urine. During rare instances, this illness can lead to death. While cattle and rodents are considered as the primary carrier of this disease, there are bats that can also be infected with the disease. This disease is more common to those people who will be exposed to the bacteria-causing disease such as the meat workers, farmers, and veterinarians. Avoid the urine of the infected animal to contact your broken skin to avoid contracting the disease.

Increasing the awareness through education and information dissemination can help in reducing the probability of disease transmission. Generally, bats are health creatures and the possibility of being in contact with an infected bat is significantly low.