Psittacosis Outbreak Claims Lives in Europe
An alarming outbreak of psittacosis, commonly referred to as parrot fever, is sweeping across multiple European countries, resulting in the tragic loss of five lives, as confirmed by the World Health Organization on Tuesday.
The World Health Organization announced on Tuesday that several European countries have been hit by a dangerous outbreak of psittacosis, also known as parrot fever.
The outbreak first appeared in 2023 and has sadly persisted into the beginning of this year, resulting in the reported deaths of five individuals.
Parrot fever is caused by bacteria in the Chlamydia family that can be found in various wild and pet birds as well as poultry. Even though infected birds may not show signs of sickness, they can spread the bacteria through breathing or excreting it.
A scientist tests a dead seal on South Georgia Island in the South Atlantic Ocean for avian influenza, a disease which has already killed millions of birds worldwide in recent years and is now present in wildlife living near Antarctica, December 2023. Dr. Marco Falchieri, APHA/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. MANDATORY CREDIT
A scientist on South Georgia Island in the South Atlantic Ocean is conducting tests on a dead seal for avian influenza. This disease has caused the deaths of millions of birds around the world in recent years and is now found in wildlife near Antarctica. The testing took place in December 2023 and the image is provided by Dr. Marco Falchieri/APHA/Handout/Reuters. Please note that this image has been supplied by a third party and cannot be resold or archived without mandatory credit.
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According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, humans often contract parrot fever by inhaling dust that contains secretions from an infected bird. It is also possible to get sick from a bird bite or through direct contact between a bird's beak and a person's mouth. However, the disease is not transmitted through consuming infected animals.
While human-to-human transmission of parrot fever is rare, studies have shown that it is possible. The World Health Organization has reported that in most recent cases, individuals were exposed to infected domesticated or wild birds.
Most people who contract parrot fever experience mild symptoms starting five to 14 days after being around a sick bird. Symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, dry cough, fever, and chills. Fortunately, antibiotics can effectively treat the infection, and it is rarely deadly for humans.
In Austria, where only two cases of the disease are typically reported each year, there were 14 confirmed cases in 2023 and an additional four cases as of March 4 this year. Interestingly, these cases are not connected, and none of the affected individuals had traveled abroad or had contact with wild birds.
Denmark usually has 15 to 30 human cases annually, mostly from contact with pet birds or hobby birds like racing pigeons.
As of February 27, there have been 23 confirmed cases in this outbreak in Denmark, but health officials believe that the actual number of cases is likely higher, according to WHO.
Of those Danish cases, 17 people have been hospitalized; 15 had pneumonia, and four have died.
UNSPECIFIED - FEBRUARY 17: Dodo (Raphus cucullatus), Columbidae. Artwork by Kevin Lyles. (Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images)
UNSPECIFIED - FEBRUARY 17: Dodo (Raphus cucullatus), Columbidae. Artwork by Kevin Lyles. (Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images)
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In Denmark, at least one person contracted parrot fever from a pet bird. Out of the 15 other cases where exposure information was available, 12 individuals mentioned having contact with wild birds mainly through bird feeders. Interestingly, three of the cases had no previous history of contact with any type of birds.
In 2023, Germany had 14 confirmed cases of parrot fever. So far this year, there have been an additional five cases. Almost all of the affected individuals had pneumonia, with 16 requiring hospitalization.
Out of the 19 reported cases in Germany, five individuals mentioned being exposed to sick pet birds or chickens.
Sweden has been experiencing a rise in parrot fever cases since 2017. In late November and early December, it saw an unusually high number of cases, with 26 reported. This year, there have been 13 cases, which is lower compared to the number of cases reported during the same period in the last five years.
The Netherlands has experienced a rise in cases, according to WHO. From late December to February 29, there were 21 cases reported, which is double the usual number for this time period. Normally, the country sees around nine cases in a year.
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In the recent Dutch cases, all individuals who were affected had to be hospitalized, and unfortunately, one person passed away. Out of the total cases, eight individuals mentioned that they had no contact with birds, while seven had been in contact with droppings from domestic birds. Additionally, six individuals reported having contact with droppings from wild birds.
WHO will keep an eye on the outbreak, working closely with the countries involved. They are advising doctors to watch out for the infection and reminding owners of pet birds and bird handlers to practice good hand hygiene.
WHO says people who have pet birds should be sure to keep cages clean and to avoid overcrowding.
Editor's P/S:
The outbreak of parrot fever, also known as psittacosis, has raised concerns due to its persistence into the new year and the reported deaths in Europe. It highlights the importance of understanding the transmission of the disease through contact with infected birds and the need for proper hygiene practices to prevent its spread. The fact that human-to-human transmission is possible, although rare, underscores the significance of healthcare providers being vigilant in diagnosing and treating the infection.
The high number of cases in countries like Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands, as well as the unusually high number of cases in Sweden, indicates a worrying trend. The ongoing surveillance by the World Health Organization and the collaboration with affected countries are crucial to contain the outbreak and prevent further loss of life. Raising awareness among pet owners, bird handlers, and the general public about the risks associated with parrot fever is essential to minimize its impact.
