A deadly outbreak of Psittacosis, also known as parrot fever has emerged in several European countries- Austria, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Initially identified in 2023, the outbreak has persisted into the beginning of 2024, with the reported deaths of five individuals by the World Health Organization.
Psittacosis is a type of bacterial lung infection. Birds of the parrot family, which include parakeets, lovebirds, and budgerigars, are the main carrier of this disease. Other birds that may be affected by this include canaries, poultry and pigeons. The pathogen can infect birds of both wild and domesticated species, and some infected birds do not exhibit any symptoms. Parrot fever is the common name for the illness.
The most common way how humans can contract the illness from infected birds is by breathing in the bacteria from their droppings, secretions, and fallen feathers. Transmission from person to person is extremely rare. A person may have mild, moderate, or severe Psittacosis or not exhibit any symptoms at all. Reactions are typically more severe in older adults. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and dry cough. As per WHO, most people begin developing signs and symptoms within 5 to 14 days after exposure to the bacteria. Inflammation of the heart or brain can result from untreated Psittacosis. Antibiotics are a convenient way to treat this illness.
As per reports, WHO will continue to monitor the outbreak, along with its affected countries. The organization is encouraging doctors to be on the lookout for the infection and warning owners of pet birds and people who are in frequent contact with birds to use good hand hygiene. WHO also said people who own pet birds should keep their cages clean and avoid overcrowding at all cost.
