A recent World Health Organization (WHO) report warned of a new psittacosis outbreak in Europe that has killed five people, 4 of them are in Denmark and 1 is in the Netherlands. Psittacosis, also known as psittacosis, is a respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci and commonly affects birds and birds. Transmitted to humans mainly through contact with secretions It can also be spread through the air through inhalation of aerosols in oral secretions or dust in feces, ingestion of contaminated meat, or even by being pecked by sick birds. Even some vectors like fleas, ticks or flies can spread it.
May cause pneumonia and breathing problems
The outbreak has caused concern among European health authorities, who have reported significant increases in cases since late 2023 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands.Psittacosis mainly affects individuals who come into close contact with birds because Poultry workers, veterinarians, pet bird owners
and gardeners in areas where Psittacosis psittaci is endemic among native birds.The World Health Organization stresses that while cases are mainly caused by contact with wild or domestic birds, the disease may have serious consequencesincluding severe pneumonia, emphasize the importance of taking appropriate precautions for high-risk groups.Parrot Flu Symptoms
The incubation period in birds ranges from three days to several weeks, and symptoms range from asymptomatic infection to severe disease. cause death of animals. If it causes symptoms in your bird, they may be nasal or eye discharge, noisy breathing, changes in feces shape or color, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight, and ruffled feathers.
When a person gets this infection, they usually need Symptoms appear in one to three weeks These include fever and chills, weakness, headache, muscle pain, dry cough, difficulty breathing, nausea and/or diarrhea, heart disease and even miscarriage.
This avian chlamydial disease is known as psittacosis or ornithosis, depending on the type of bird affected (more than 450 susceptible bird species have been identified). It is most common and affects parrots such as parrots, parakeets, macaws, lovebirds and doves (pigeons, turtledoves). Although birds most commonly carry the bacterium, it has also been found in several mammals, including dogs, cats, horses, ruminants and pigs, and reptiles.
In response to this epidemic, affected countries have carried out detailed epidemiological investigations Identify possible sources of exposure and cluster cases. This includes the analysis of samples from wild birds tested for avian influenza, with the aim of verifying the prevalence of Psittacosis psittaci in wild bird populations, which can provide important clues about the transmission dynamics of the disease.
The risk is low, according to the World Health Organization
Despite the seriousness of the situation, The World Health Organization assesses the risk posed by this new outbreak as “low” For the general population based on available information. However, this outbreak highlights the need for continued surveillance and prevention efforts to protect vulnerable groups, particularly those with frequent contact with birds. The organization will continue to closely monitor the situation and work with national health authorities to mitigate the impact of the outbreak.
Denmark is by far the worst affected country The number of cases has increased significantly since the end of 2023. Recent cases in the Netherlands and other European countries also highlight the cross-border nature of the outbreak and the importance of international cooperation in dealing with infectious diseases.