Two New York Men Die from Rare Fungal Infection Linked to Bat Feces Used as Fertilizer
Two men from Rochester, New York, have died after contracting histoplasmosis, a rare fungal infection caused by exposure to bat feces, or guano, which they used to fertilize their cannabis plants.
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The cases were documented in the medical journal Open Forum Infectious Diseases.
The Cases
Case 1: 59-Year-Old Man
Health History:
Emphysema
Heavy tobacco and marijuana use
Symptoms:
Severe weight loss over six weeks
Sore throat causing difficulty swallowing
Diagnosis:
Initially suspected to have carcinoma due to a mass on his larynx, but later diagnosed with histoplasmosis.
Despite treatment with antifungal medication, his condition worsened, leading to respiratory failure. He ultimately received palliative care and passed away.
Case 2: 64-Year-Old Man
Health History:
History of tobacco and marijuana use
Previous bypass surgery for blood flow issues
Symptoms:
Severe weight loss
Difficulty eating
Low sodium levels in blood (hypo-osmolar hyponatremia)
Diagnosis:
Also diagnosed with histoplasmosis, likely from handling bat guano from a heavily infested attic.
Although he was initially released from the hospital after antifungal treatment, he was readmitted a month later and died shortly afterward.
Cause and Risks
Histoplasmosis is caused by inhaling spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, commonly found in bat and bird feces. The men likely inhaled these spores during the handling and application of the guano as fertilizer for their marijuana plants.
Key Risk Factors:
Handling Bat Guano: One man collected guano from his attic, while the other purchased it online.
Inhalation of Spores: The fertilization process likely aerosolized the fungal spores, leading to severe respiratory infections.
Preexisting Conditions: Both men had underlying health issues, which may have exacerbated their susceptibility to the infection.
Symptoms of Histoplasmosis
Persistent cough
Fever
Fatigue
Chest pain
Severe weight loss
Difficulty breathing (in advanced cases)
Precautions and Awareness
Avoid Exposure:
Do not handle bat guano without proper protective gear, such as masks and gloves.
Avoid using bat guano as fertilizer, especially in enclosed spaces.
Seek Medical Attention Early:
Early diagnosis and treatment with antifungal medications can improve outcomes.
Public Awareness:
This case highlights the need for education about the potential health risks of handling organic materials like guano.
While the use of natural fertilizers is common, these tragic cases underscore the dangers of improper handling and the need for caution when working with materials that may contain harmful pathogens
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