Residents of Webuye in Bungoma County have expressed concerns over bats infestation at Lugulu Hospital.

Those interviewed said the bats are not only associated with bad omen but are polluting environment and making the health facility noisy and smelly.

Noel Simiyu and Fred Nyako led other residents in calling on relevant authorities to remove the bats from the facility immediately.

The bats’ presence at the hospital continues to elicit mixed reactions, with a section of patients claiming they could be symbolizing bad things to come.

 “Bats are usually associated with bad omen such as deaths.  They might be demons or spirits of the dead.  Even when you throw stones at them, they refuse to go away.  We urge relevant authorities to intervene and help the hospital management chase away the dreaded bats,” Nyako noted.

According to Doctor Elias Wafula, in charge of infection prevention control at the hospital, the bats have been occupying the main entrance area at the facility.

He said the bats are capable of transmitting zoonotic diseases such as marbug, Nipah, hendra , ebola, and rabies.

“Marbug is a viral disease that can be inhaled through the bats’ droppings and is dangerous to human beings. Bats can transmit serious zoonotic diseases. We have used all means like spraying chemicals, using smoke to scare them, but they have not gone away. Their droppings and saliva can spill to other animals or could also carry fungi causing Histoplasmosis,” Wafula noted.

The expert further notes that the bats are a menace, especially during drought season since they like eating fruits on the nearby Mukuyu tree.

Walucho Bridgit, a nurse, called for help from organisations versed with knowledge on how to control the bats. 

 “The bats are a nuisance as they produce disturbing noise. People are at high risk of contracting diseases, particularly when the bats are actively moving around. We are very concerned about our patients’ welfare, and that’s why we are looking for ways of eradicating them,” she said.

She said the bats are always on and off and whatever they invade the facility, they damage property and also scare patients and staff alike.

Sarah Nanjala, a security guard at the facility, said residents keep on chasing the bats away by hurling stones at them to no avail.

“This causes environment hazard and poses health risks to those residing around here,” Nanjala noted.