2024-03-09 12:48:52
Parrot disease has resulted in death for several patients in European countries. According to the WHO, the number of sick people is higher than usual.
In Germany and other European countries, more people than usual have been infected with ornithosis, the parrot disease transmitted by birds. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of cases has increased significantly since November and December last year.
There were four deaths in Denmark and one person died of parrot disease (sometimes called parrot fever) in the Netherlands, it is said. In addition to Germany, according to the WHO, Austria, Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands also reported an increase in cases. These countries have increased their surveillance measures.
“WHO continues to monitor the situation and, based on available information, classifies the risk as low,” writes the World Health Organization.
Accumulation of cases around Hanover
Five confirmed cases were reported in Germany in December, and there were 14 in 2023 as a whole, according to the WHO. This year, five more confirmed cases had been added by February 20th. There was an accumulation around Hanover throughout the year. 16 of those affected were treated in hospital. None of them said they had come into contact with wild birds; a quarter had pets such as pigeons, parrots or chickens.
Parrot disease: how to get infected?
The pathogens are transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or when inhaling fecal dust, for example when cleaning cages. According to current knowledge, transmission from person to person is very rare.
A total of 23 confirmed cases were reported in Denmark from the end of December to February 27th, and 21 in the Netherlands from the end of December to February 29th. Five of those infected in these two countries died.
This is the cause of parrot disease
The infectious disease ornithosis is caused by the bacterium Chlamydophila psittaci (read all about the cause of ornithosis here). These pathogens are mainly found in parrots, pigeons and seagulls. People suffering from ornithosis show different symptoms. Initially, those affected are plagued by chills and a constant rise in temperature. In severe cases of the disease, organs such as the heart, spleen and liver can also be affected by the bacteria. Once the parrot disease has been overcome, those affected are often immune to it for several years.