Parrot fever, which is also known as psittacosis, has broken out in some of European countries. Austria, Denmark, Germany, Sweden and The Netherlands have seen a rise in cases including five fatalities according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The primary mode of transmission is through contact with infected birds.

There was an increase in psittacosis cases in 2023 and early 2024 especially since November-December 2023.

What is Psittacosis?

Psittacosis or parrot fever is caused by chlamydophila psittaci bacteria found in birds. In humans infected birds are usually transmitted from birds to individuals who maintain pet birds; work with poultry; veterinarian and gardeners at sites with infected bird populations.

Affected countries are conducting epidemiologic investigations to identify possible exposures and clusters of cases. Measures include examination of wild bird samples to determine C. psittaci prevalence.

The WHO is currently monitoring the situation with risk assessment showing low based on available information.

Symptoms and Treatment for Psittacosis

This disease presents symptoms such as fever, shivering, pain across the body muscles including headaches as well as dry coughs among others. Most people show signs of infection within 5 – 14 days after exposure to the bacteria.

Prompt antibiotic treatment is effective and allows avoiding complications such as pneumonia. With the right antibiotics, psittacosis hardly ever (fewer than one in a hundred cases) leads to death.

Although some brought about pneumonia and hospitalization, others from WHO stated that human-to-human transmission was unlikely. Accurate diagnosis and antibiotic therapy could help in managing this condition. WHO has issued an updated risk assessment that reflects its current information.

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