New epidemic spreading in Europe: 'Parrot fever' claims five lives

12PUNTO FOREIGN NEWS

The World Health Organization stated in an announcement that a deadly outbreak of psittacosis, a bacterial infection also known as parrot fever, is affecting people living in several European countries. It announced that five people have died so far in the outbreak, which was first detected in 2023.

In a statement on Tuesday, the WHO said that as of February 27, there were 23 confirmed cases related to this outbreak, but public health officials suspect that the actual number of cases is much higher.

In Denmark, 17 people were hospitalized due to parrot fever. Of the 17 people hospitalized, 15 saw their condition worsen during treatment, and 4 patients lost their lives.

WHAT IS PARROT FEVER?

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people usually contract parrot fever by inhaling dust from the secretions of an infected bird. People can also become ill if a bird bites them or through beak-to-mouth contact. The disease is not transmitted through the consumption of infected animals.

Most people who contract parrot fever experience a mild illness that begins five to 14 days after exposure to a sick bird, which can include headache, muscle aches, dry cough, fever, and chills. Antibiotics can treat the infection, and it is rarely fatal for humans.

Austria, which typically sees two cases of this disease each year, reported 14 cases in 2023 and four more cases as of March 4 this year. The cases are unrelated, and none of the individuals reported traveling abroad or having contact with wild birds.

News Source: 12punto