Deadly Psittacosis outbreak in Europe kills 5 people

Most people infected with psittacosis experience mild symptoms

A severe outbreak of psittacosis, also known as psittacosis, has affected multiple people in several European countries, the World Health Organization reported on Tuesday. The epidemic was first discovered in 2023 and has continued until the beginning of this year. It is reported that 5 people have died. CNN the report said.

Psittacosis is caused by bacteria in the Chlamydia family and is spread by a variety of wild and domestic birds and poultry. Infected birds may not show symptoms, but they can still shed the bacteria through breathing or excretion.

according to Centers for Disease Control and PreventionHumans often become infected with psittacosis by inhaling dust particles contaminated with the secretions of infected birds. In addition, people may become sick if bitten by a bird or if a bird’s beak comes into direct contact with a person’s mouth. The disease is not spread by eating infected animals.

Research shows that while person-to-person transmission is possible, it is uncommon. In most recent cases, individuals have been exposed to infected domestic or wild birds, the agency reported. World Health Organization.

Most people infected with psittacosis experience mild symptoms, usually 5 to 14 days after contact with an infected bird. These symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, dry cough, fever, and chills. Antibiotics effectively treat the infection, and human death is rare.

Austria usually records two cases of the disease each year, but as of March 4, 14 confirmed cases had been reported in 2023 and four more this year. The cases are not linked, with none reporting overseas travel or encounters with wild birds.

There are typically 15 to 30 human cases per year in Denmark, most of which are caused by contact with hobby birds such as pet birds or racing pigeons. As of February 27, Denmark has confirmed 23 cases of this epidemic. However, public health officials suspect the actual number of cases is much higher, according to the World Health Organization.

Of the Danish cases, 17 people have been hospitalized, 15 of whom have been diagnosed with pneumonia, and four deaths have been reported.

In Denmark, at least one person contracted psittacosis from a pet bird. Of the other 15 cases with exposure information, 12 people reported exposure to wild birds primarily through bird feeders. Interestingly, three cases had no documented contact with any type of bird.

14 cases of psittacosis were confirmed in Germany in 2023, and 5 more cases were reported this year. Nearly all those affected developed pneumonia, and 16 required hospitalization.

Of the 19 cases in Germany, five people revealed exposure to sick pet birds or chickens.

Cases of psittacosis have increased in Sweden since 2017. It is worth noting that in late November and early December, the number of cases was unusually high, with a total of 26 cases. However, the number of cases has decreased this year, with only 13 reported, lower than the same period in the past five years.

Similarly, the Netherlands has seen a surge in cases, registering a total of 21 cases from late December to February 29. This is double the number of cases recorded at the same time in previous years, according to the World Health Organization. Typically, around nine cases are reported in the Netherlands each year.

The WHO said it will continue to monitor the outbreak.