Deadly Outbreak of Parrot Fever Hits Europe, WHO Reports
A deadly outbreak of parrot fever, also known as psittacosis, has been spreading across several European countries, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The outbreak was first identified in 2023 and has continued into this year, resulting in the deaths of five individuals. Parrot fever is caused by bacteria in the Chlamydia family, which can be found in various wild and pet birds as well as poultry. Infected birds may not display any symptoms but can shed the bacteria through their breath or droppings.
Humans commonly contract parrot fever by inhaling dust particles contaminated with the bacteria from an infected bird’s secretions. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also states that people can become sick if they are bitten by a bird or have beak-to-mouth contact. However, the disease is not transmitted through consuming infected animals. While human-to-human transmission is possible, it is rare, with most recent cases linked to exposure to infected domesticated or wild birds.
Typically, individuals who contract parrot fever experience mild symptoms that manifest five to 14 days after exposure to an infected bird. These symptoms may include a headache, muscle pain, a dry cough, fever, and chills. Fortunately, antibiotics can effectively treat the infection, and fatalities among humans are rare.
Several European countries have reported cases related to this outbreak. Austria, which usually sees two cases annually, has reported 14 confirmed cases in 2023 and an additional four this year. None of the affected individuals had traveled abroad or come into contact with wild birds. Denmark typically records 15 to 30 cases each year, primarily stemming from exposure to pet birds or hobby birds like racing pigeons. However, during this outbreak, Denmark has reported 23 confirmed cases as of February 27. Public health officials suspect that the actual case count may be much higher. Out of the Danish cases, 17 people have been hospitalized, with 15 developing pneumonia and four succumbing to the illness.
In Denmark, one person contracted parrot fever from a pet bird, while 12 others had contact with wild birds primarily through bird feeders. Interestingly, three patients had no history of contact with any type of birds. Germany has reported 14 confirmed cases in 2023 and an additional five this year. Almost all of the affected individuals developed pneumonia, and 16 required hospitalization. Of the 19 cases in Germany, five individuals reported exposure to sick pet birds or chickens.
Sweden has witnessed an increase in parrot fever cases since 2017. In late November and early December, the country reported an unusually high number of cases, with 26 individuals affected. This year, there have been 13 cases, which is fewer than the average for the same time period over the past five years. The Netherlands has also seen a surge in cases, with 21 reported from late December through February 29. This number is twice as high as previous years during the same period. Typically, the Netherlands records around nine cases annually. In the recent Dutch cases, all individuals were hospitalized, and one person unfortunately died. Eight patients had no contact with birds, seven had contact with droppings from domestic birds, and six had contact with wild bird droppings.
The WHO is closely monitoring the outbreak in collaboration with the affected countries. The organization urges doctors to remain vigilant for potential infections and advises owners of pet birds and individuals who frequently interact with birds to practice good hand hygiene. Additionally, the WHO recommends that pet bird owners keep their cages clean and avoid overcrowding.
As the outbreak continues to unfold, it is crucial for individuals to take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of parrot fever. By staying informed and practicing proper hygiene measures, we can mitigate the impact of this deadly infection on both humans and birds alike.
