Severe 'Parrot Fever' Outbreak Claims Lives Across Europe

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms about a significant outbreak of psittacosis, commonly known as parrot fever, affecting multiple individuals in various European countries. The outbreak, first identified in 2023, has persisted into the current year, resulting in the reported deaths of five individuals, as reported by CNN.

Most individuals who contract parrot fever experience mild symptoms

Parrot fever, caused by Chlamydia-family bacteria, is transmitted through contact with both wild and domesticated birds and poultry. Even if infected birds display no symptoms, they can still transmit the bacteria through breathing or excretion.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that humans often contract parrot fever by inhaling dust particles contaminated with secretions from infected birds. Additionally, the disease can be transmitted if a person is bitten by a bird or has direct contact between a bird’s beak and their mouth. However, the infection does not spread through the consumption of infected animals.

While rare, human-to-human transmission is possible, as indicated by studies. In most recent cases, individuals had been exposed to infected domesticated or wild birds, according to the World Health Organization.

Typically, individuals who contract parrot fever experience mild symptoms, manifesting five to 14 days after exposure to an infected bird. These symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, dry cough, fever, and chills. Antibiotics are effective in treating the infection, and fatalities among humans are uncommon.

Austria, which typically records two cases of the disease annually, reported 14 confirmed cases in 2023 and an additional four cases in 2024 as of March 4. These cases are unrelated, with no reported travel abroad or encounters with wild birds.

Denmark, usually witnessing 15 to 30 human cases each year, has confirmed 23 cases in this outbreak as of February 27. Public health officials suspect the actual number of cases is higher. Among the Danish cases, 17 individuals have been hospitalized, with 15 diagnosed with pneumonia, resulting in four fatalities.

In Denmark, exposure information indicates that one person contracted parrot fever from a pet bird, while 12 individuals reported contact with wild birds, mainly through bird feeders. Interestingly, three cases had no documented history of contact with any type of birds.

Germany reported 14 confirmed cases of parrot fever in 2023, with an additional five cases in 2024. Nearly all affected individuals experienced pneumonia, and 16 required hospitalization. Five cases in Germany disclosed exposure to ill pet birds or chickens.

Since 2017, Sweden has seen an increase in parrot fever cases, recording 26 cases in late November and early December. However, this year has seen a decrease, with only 13 reported cases. Similarly, the Netherlands reported 21 cases from late December to February 29, double the usual number recorded during the same period in previous years.

The WHO has pledged to monitor the ongoing outbreak closely.