Two Rochester, New York, men tragically died after fertilizing their marijuana plants with bat feces, a practice that led to severe fungal infections.
The 64-year-old reportedly collected bat guano, as bat feces is called, from an infestation in his attic. He used it to fertilize his cannabis crop, unaware of the risks.
The men, aged 64 and 59, unknowingly exposed themselves to harmful fungal spores, resulting in histoplasmosis—a serious lung infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum.
Inspired by his friend’s success, the 59-year-old purchased bat guano online to try the same technique. Tragically, their experiment led to devastating health consequences.
“Exposure to bat guano among cannabis growers appears to be a recent trend,” researchers from the University of Rochester said in a report. “This can lead to histoplasmosis cases and outbreaks.”
Both men experienced rapid weight loss, breathing issues, and difficulty eating in the weeks following exposure.
The 59-year-old developed respiratory failure and was admitted to Strong Memorial Hospital, where doctors initially suspected cancer due to a mass on his larynx.
A biopsy confirmed histoplasmosis, but despite treatment, he passed away weeks later.
Similarly, the 64-year-old was hospitalized after losing 35 pounds and experiencing a chronic cough. He was diagnosed with low sodium levels and treated for suspected histoplasmosis.
Although he was discharged, his condition worsened, and he returned to the hospital with abdominal pain. He died from complications related to bowel ischemia, a rare condition caused by reduced blood flow to the intestines.
Histoplasmosis, often misdiagnosed, can range from mild to severe. Symptoms include fever, chest pain, and muscle aches. Researchers warn that recent cannabis legalization and the promotion of bat guano as fertilizer could increase cases.
This incident underscores the importance of public education about histoplasmosis and safe gardening practices. For now, growers should avoid untested fertilizers and consider the potential dangers of seemingly natural solutions.
