RESIDENTS of Webuye in Bungoma County are worried about the bat infestation at Lugulu Hospital. People who were interviewed said the bats are linked to bad luck and are making the hospital dirty and noisy. Noel Simiyu and Fred Nyako, along with other residents, have asked the authorities to take action and get rid of the bats as soon as possible.
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The presence of the bats at the hospital has caused different opinions. Some patients believe the bats could be a sign of bad things happening.
Nyako said: "Bats are often connected with bad omens like death. They might be demons or the spirits of the dead. Even if you throw stones at them, they don’t leave. We are urging the authorities to help the hospital get rid of these bats."
Doctor Elias Wafula, who is responsible for infection prevention at the hospital, mentioned that the bats are staying in the main entrance area.
He explained that the bats can spread serious diseases like Marburg, Nipah, Hendra, Ebola, and rabies.
"Marburg is a virus that can be inhaled through bat droppings and is very dangerous for people.
Bats can spread several zoonotic diseases. We have tried everything like spraying chemicals and using smoke to scare them, but they still stay. Their droppings and saliva can affect other animals and might carry fungi that cause Histoplasmosis," Wafula said.
He also pointed out that during drought season, the bats become a bigger problem since they feed on fruits from the nearby Mukuyu tree.
Walucho Bridgit, a nurse, requested help from groups that know how to control the bats.
"The bats are a real nuisance because they make a lot of noise.
People are at risk of getting sick, especially when the bats are active. We are really concerned about the patients' health, so we are looking for ways to get rid of them," she stated.
She added that the bats are always coming and going and whenever they come into the hospital, they damage things and scare both patients and staff.
Sarah Nanjala, a security guard at the hospital, said residents keep throwing stones at the bats but it doesn’t help.
"This causes a dangerous environment and puts health risks on people living nearby," Nanjala said