How can I get rid of the scrape on my face?

Can you get a disease from just one occurrence of contact with dried bird poop?

• I was cleaning off a slide that my daughter was getting ready to go down. I used a stick to scrape off this giant disgusting spot of bird poop. When I saw that there was still some powdery stuff remaining, stupidly, I blew on it to blow it off of the slide so that she didn't get it on her. It was windy, and blew right back into my face. So gross, I was about half beside myself...but anyway, I began worrying about all of the diseases that can be carried through bird poop, and particularly, the dried powder thereof. Now I'm sick with what seems like a cold--sore throat, right now, and I doubt it's related, but...I just wanted to know how dangerous that was, I guess...how likely it is that I could get sick.

• Answer:

  Yes, there are some diseases that can be acquired from bird excreta. The common mode of transmission is by inhaling the organisms from the poop. I suggest you see your physician and have yourself checked. (Clinical Lab Scientist)