Parrot Fever Outbreak Claims 5 Lives Across Europe: Here's What You Need To Know

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a severe outbreak of psittacosis, also known as parrot fever, in Europe. Since its identification in 2023, the outbreak has persisted into this year, resulting in five deaths.

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Austria reported 14 cases in 2023 and four more in 2024, with no clear link between cases. Denmark has confirmed 23 cases, with suspicions of more, primarily due to contact with pet or wild birds.

Seventeen people were hospitalised in Denmark, with four fatalities. There were 14 cases in Germany in 2023 and five more this year, mostly resulting in pneumonia.

Sweden saw 26 cases late last year but a decrease to 13 cases this year, while the Netherlands had 21 cases from December to February, double the usual number.

What WHO has said about parrot fever outbreak

The WHO has said it will keep monitoring the situation. As of now, the health agency has stated that there is minimal risk to human health.

"While birds that carry this disease could be crossing international borders, there is currently no indication of this disease being spread by humans nationally or internationally," the WHO said.

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The organisation advises medical professionals to remain vigilant for the infection and urges individuals who frequently handle birds and pet owners to maintain excellent hand hygiene.

According to the global health agency, owners of pet birds should ensure clean cages and avoid overcrowding.

Parrot fever: Understanding Psittacosis

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), psittacosis, also known as parrot fever, is an acute respiratory illness caused by the bacteria Chlamydophila psittaci.

Numerous domestic and wild birds carry the bacterium.

CNN reported that although they don¡¯t always appear sick, infected birds excrete the bacteria through their breath or faeces.

Modes of transmission: How parrot fever spreads

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, humans typically contract parrot fever by breathing in dust from an infected bird¡¯s secretions.

Bird bites and beak-to-mouth contact can also infect humans.

CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

No animal may contract the disease by eating another that is affected, explained CNN.

Studies indicate that human-to-human transmission is unlikely but not impossible.

According to the WHO, most recent cases have exposed humans to sick domestic or wild birds.

Identifying parrot fever: common symptoms

Most individuals who contract parrot fever experience a mild fever that manifests five to 14 days after coming into contact with an infected bird.

According to the CDC, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, and a dry cough are some of the possible symptoms.

The infection is treatable with antibiotics, and it rarely kills anyone.

According to The Telegraph, pet owners, poultry workers, and those employed in aviaries or pet stores are most susceptible to psittacosis.

Although it is rare, psittacosis during pregnancy can result in substantial death for both the mother and the foetus.

According to a 2020 study, prenatal psittacosis carries an 80 per cent risk of foetal mortality and an eight per cent chance of maternal mortality.

There have been cases reported when individuals have contracted psittacosis without ever having any known contact with birds."

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