Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is a disease caused by spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Most infected people show no symptoms at all, but some may develop an acute respiratory condition as a result of infection. Symptoms will take over a week to develop and may include: fever, chest pains, dry cough, shortness of breath and chills. The condition can be fatal if not treated with anti-fungal medications.

The fungus is found in soil all over the world, but in particular it is found in accumulations of bird and bat droppings. Most pest control professionals wear protective gear and respirators when cleaning an attic full of bat guano to protect them from infection. The spores in the dust saturated with droppings become airborne when disturbed during clean up efforts. If you have a big mess to clean up, especially one in a confined area, you should probably consult a professional for help.