Parrot Fever

 

What Is Parrot Fever, An Infection That Has Caused Five Deaths In Europe? Its Causes And Symptoms—-

Parrot fever is a bacterial condition that birds can give you, also referred to as psittacosis. The bacterium Chlamydia psittaci is to blame. It causes fever and cough, which are signs of a respiratory infection in people, according to Cleveland Clinic. A runny nose or eyes, along with other symptoms, might strike birds. Even though they don't exhibit any symptoms, birds can carry the pathogen.

According to Better Health Channel, other people may not have any symptoms at all, and the illness might be mild, moderate, or severe.Reactions are typically more severe in older adults. Inflammation of the heart or brain can result from untreated psittacosis. It is easy to treat this illness.

Parrot fever symptoms—

Here are a some of the typical signs and symptoms of parrot fever:

Muscle aches

A dry cough

Fever

Shortness of breath

Headache

General malaise

The bacterium Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci) is the cause of pustacosis. According to Cleveland Clinic, respiratory secretions and excrement from an ill bird might harbor the bacterium. "Bacteria may be released into the air as dust as these liquids dry. Through contaminated dust or direct contact, it spreads between birds."

Factors that increase the risk of parrot fever

Psittacosis can infect anyone, although adult cases are the most frequent. "Those who have contact with pet birds and poultry, including people who work in bird-related occupations, are at increased risk:" state The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Veterinarians

Poultry workers

Bird owners

Aviary and pet shop employees

Complications of parrot fever—

While most patients who receive quality care recover completely. But other people frequently experience severe problems. According to Cleveland Clinic, these issues consist of:

Myocarditis

Encephalitis

Pneumonia

Endocarditis

Hepatitis (liver inflammation)

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Prevention of parrot fever--

There are multiple steps involved in preventing parrot fever in order to lower the possibility of human infection from diseased birds. First and first, it's critical to uphold proper hygiene, which includes often washing your hands with soap and water, especially after handling birds or cleaning their cages. Furthermore, in order to reduce the buildup of dust and bird droppings, which can contain the bacteria that cause parrot fever, it is imperative to make sure that bird cages and aviaries have adequate ventilation.

Preventing direct contact with diseased birds and promptly isolating any birds exhibiting indications of illness can also aid in containing the disease. Finally, it's critical to get medical help right away if you experience flu-like symptoms after being around parrots in order to diagnose and treat parrot fever as soon as possible.

WHO stated in February 2024 that Denmark, Austria,Germany, Sweden and The Netherlands witnessed an increase in psittacosis cases observed in 2023 and at the beginning of 2024.