What is psittacosis?
Psittacosis is caused by an infection
with a bacterium known as Chlamydia psittaci. Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Rash
- Photophobia (the avoidance of light)
- Cough
- Muscle aches
- Either upper or lower respiratory tract disease
- Pneumonia is common with psittacosis
Who gets psittacosis?
Anyone can get psittacosis if they are infected with
the C. psittaci bacteria, and the most common source
of these bacteria is infected birds.
The most common birds to be infected are pet birds of the
psittacine family, specifically:
- Parakeets
- Parrots
- Lovebirds
Other birds may also be infected such as:
- Poultry
- Pigeons
- Canaries
- Sea birds
Birds who are
infected may appear healthy or sick.
How is psittacosis spread?
Humans become infected with psittacosis when they
inhale C. psittaci bacteria that are present in dried
bird droppings, feather dust or other secretions of
infected birds.
Person-to-person spread of psittacosis
is very unlikely.
What are the symptoms of psittacosis?
The symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Rash
- Photophobia
- Muscle aches
- Either upper or
lower respiratory tract disease
- Pneumonia is common with psittacosis
How soon after exposure do symptoms
appear?
Symptoms appear from one to four weeks after
exposure.
How is psittacosis diagnosed?
Psittacosis is diagnosed through various laboratory
tests.
What is the treatment for psittacosis?
Doctors can prescribe antibiotics for psittacosis.
How can psittacosis be prevented?
To prevent psittacosis in humans, it is necessary to
prevent the exposure of humans to infected birds.
Pet birds (as well as any other pet) should only be purchased from reputable pet stores.
Where can I get more information?
Contact your physician or the Southern Nevada Health District, Office of Epidemiology at (702) 759-1300.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Case definitions for
infectious conditions under public health surveillance. MMWR
1997; 46 (No. RR-10):27.
