Parrot fever, also known as psittacosis, has recently caused concern in Europe. Here are the key details:
- Affected Countries: Austria, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands have reported an “unusual and unexpected” increase in cases of parrot fever .
- Cause: Parrot fever is caused by a species of bacteria called Chlamydia psittaci (also spelled Chlamydophila psittaci). While it can infect mammals like dogs, cats, and horses, it predominantly affects birds. Humans can contract psittacosis by inhaling airborne particles containing the bacteria, especially from the breath, feces, or feather dust of infected birds (such as parrots, finches, or canaries).
Parrot Fever (Psittacosis): Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatments
Parrot fever, also known as psittacosis, is a rare infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci. Although the United States has seen fewer than 10 human cases of parrot fever each year since 2010, many cases may go undiagnosed or unreported due to symptoms resembling other illnesses. The disease is acquired from birds, and while parrots are common carriers, other wild and pet birds can also transmit the infection to humans. Here are the key points about parrot fever:
- Contracting Parrot Fever:
- Humans usually catch parrot fever from birds, including parrots, chickens, turkeys, pigeons, parakeets, cockatiels, and ducks.
- You can become infected by handling an infected bird or inhaling fine particles of its urine, feces, or other bodily excretions.
- Bird bites or close contact (such as “kissing” by touching the bird’s beak to your mouth) can also transmit the disease.
- Human-to-human transmission is rare but possible when inhaling droplets from a sick person’s cough.
- Recognizing Infected Birds:
- Infected birds may not show symptoms but can carry the bacteria for months.
- Signs in birds include shivering, difficulty breathing, discharge from the eyes or nose, diarrhea, and discolored droppings.
- Birds may eat less or stop eating altogether.
- Symptoms in Humans:
- Symptoms typically resemble the flu or pneumonia.
- They usually appear around 10 days after exposure (but can take 4 to 19 days).
- Common symptoms include:
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle and joint pain
- Diarrhea
- Weakness and fatigue
- Dry cough
- Other possible symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and sensitivity to light.
- In severe cases, parrot fever can cause inflammation of internal organs, including the brain, liver, and parts of the heart, as well as decreased lung function and pneumonia.
- Similar Diseases:
- Diseases with similar symptoms include brucellosis (a bacterial infection found in livestock) and pneumonia.
Remember to exercise caution when handling birds and seek medical attention if you suspect parrot fever or experience flu-like symptoms after bird exposure.