WHO Issues Alert After Psittacosis Or Parrot Fever, A Type Of Avian Chlamydia Kills 5 In Europe!

Medical News: A specter of concern looms over Europe as an unprecedented outbreak of psittacosis, commonly known as parrot fever, has claimed the lives of five individuals, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to issue an urgent alert. This Medical News report delves deeper into the intricacies of the outbreak, exploring its origins, the gravity of the situation, and the global response in addressing this emerging public health crisis.


 Psittacosis Or Parrot Fever, A Type Of Avian Chlamydia Kills 5 In Europe

Psittacosis: A Closer Look
Psittacosis, or parrot fever, is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydophila psittaci. Unlike the sexually transmitted variant, this strain is prevalent in avian populations and can infect humans upon exposure to infected birds, including parrots, parakeets, budgerigars, and cockatiels. However, other avian species such as pigeons, doves, ducks, turkeys, and chickens can also harbor the bacteria.
 
While psittacosis typically presents with mild symptoms akin to the flu, such as headaches and a cough, severe cases can lead to pneumonia and meningitis. The infection poses a particular threat to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or those with compromised immune systems. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the infection affects a small number of individuals annually in the United Kingdom.
 
The Unfolding Crisis
The WHO has sounded the alarm over an 'unusual' rise in psittacosis cases across several European countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark, and Sweden. Surveillance data reveals alarming rates in Austria, where the incidence is up to seven times higher than anticipated. However, the WHO has assured that there is currently no indication of human-to-human transmission on a national or international scale.
https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2024-DON509

Transmission Dynamics
The primary mode of transmission is through the inhalation of airborne particles from bird feces, respiratory secretions, or feather dust. It is crucial to note that human-to-human transmission is rare, with studies suggesting its possibility but infrequency. The WHO emphasizes the importance of correctly diagnosing the infection, as it is treatable with antibiotics if identified promptly.
 
Regional Impact and Responses
Denmark, a country accustomed to reporting around two dozen cases annually, has already witnessed 23 cases since late 2023, resulting in four fatalities. The Netherlands has observed a doubling of confirmed cases, with 21 individuals testing positive for C. psittaci by late February 2024. Austria, Germany, and Sweden have all reported a concerning surge in confirmed cases.
 
In Austria, where 14 cases were confirmed in 2023, a stark deviation from the typical annual count of t wo cases, health officials are investigating the sudden increase. Meanwhile, Denmark has reported a marked increase, with 23 cases by early 2024, raising suspicions of an underreported actual count. Germany reported 14 cases in 2023, followed by an additional five cases in early 2024, with most cases exhibiting pneumonia symptoms. Sweden noted an unusual spike in late 2023, doubling the average number of cases compared to previous years. The Netherlands reported 21 confirmed cases, twice the average over the past ten years.
 
Potential Causes and Environmental Impact
The rise in reported cases prompts questions about the potential causes behind this surge. While psittacosis is commonly associated with exposure to infected birds, both domesticated and wild, the WHO underlines the necessity for further investigation. In Denmark, authorities suspect infections are primarily associated with wild birds, emphasizing the inhalation of airborne particles from dried droppings as a potential mode of transmission. The prevalence of C. psittaci among wild birds in Denmark is yet unknown, necessitating further examinations.
 
In Germany, where an increase in cases was noted in December 2023, investigations revealed that 26% of cases reported exposure to domesticated birds, including parrots, chickens, or breeding pigeons. The lack of information on exposure to wild birds in these cases adds complexity to understanding the transmission dynamics.
 
Public Health Response
In response to the outbreak, affected countries have activated national surveillance systems to closely monitor the situation. Epidemiological investigations are underway to identify potential exposure sources and clusters of cases. The WHO emphasizes the importance of prompt antibiotic treatment for correctly diagnosed cases, with a low likelihood of human-to-human transmission.

The organization further underscores the need for increased awareness among clinicians to accurately diagnose C. psittaci using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Additionally, measures such as quarantining newly acquired birds, conducting surveillance of C. psittaci in wild birds, and promoting good hygiene practices, especially for individuals with pet birds, are recommended.
 
WHO Risk Assessment
The WHO's risk assessment categorizes the situation as low, acknowledging the unexpected increase in reported cases. However, it calls for additional investigations to determine whether the surge is a true increase or a result of more sensitive surveillance or diagnostic techniques.
 
Sweden stands out with a general increase in psittacosis cases since 2017. This increase, attributed to the heightened use of more sensitive PCR panels, underscores the challenges in interpreting data accurately. The WHO stresses that while birds carrying the disease may be crossing international borders, there is no current indication of human-to-human transmission on a national or international scale.
 
WHO Recommendations
In light of the evolving situation, the WHO provides clear recommendations to address the outbreak effectively:
 
-Increase awareness among clinicians for accurate diagnosis using RT-PCR.
 
-Raise awareness among caged or domestic bird owners, especially those with psittacines, about the potential asymptomatic carriage of the pathogen.
 
-Quarantine newly acquired birds and seek veterinary examination and treatment for sick birds.
 
-Conduct surveillance of C. psittaci in wild birds to verify prevalence.
 
-Encourage pet bird owners to maintain clean cages, prevent overcrowding, and practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing when handling birds or their environments.
 
-Implement standard infection control practices and droplet transmission precautions for hospitalized patients.
 
Conclusion
The psittacosis outbreak in Europe demands careful attention and collaborative efforts from the global community to understand, mitigate, and prevent further spread. The WHO's alert underscores the significance of timely diagnosis, effective surveillance, and public awareness to curb the impact of this avian chlamydia crisis. As researchers and health authorities continue their investigations, vigilance and proactive measures become crucial for individuals, clinicians, and policymakers alike in tackling the challenges posed by parrot fever.
 
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