There are many hazards faced while living near bat colonies. Of the most infamous and well known diseases spread by bats is rabies. Bats can transmit rabies by way of a bite or saliva through any openings in human or animal skin (CDC). This includes eyes, ears, nose, mouth, etc. As soon as symptoms of rabies start, the infection almost always proves to be fatal. Another disease commonly spread by bats is called Histoplasmosis. Unlike rabies, Histoplasmosis is airborne, and is spread by a fungus found in soil and animal droppings, such as bat guano (CDC). The disease primarily affects the lungs, and occasionally other organs, and can prove fatal if left untreated for too long. Unlike rabies, Histoplasmosis is airborne, and is spread by a fungus
