Recently, cases of psittacosis fever have been reported continuously in two places in China
Psittacosis is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by Chlamydia psittaci. The pathogen was first discovered in parrots, hence the name “psittacosis”. It is mainly transmitted in birds and poultry, also known as “bird plague”, and can be transmitted from infected animals to humans.
Psittacosis is generally sporadic in the population, with occasional outbreaks and epidemics.
Its source of infection is mainly birds and poultry, such as parrots, pigeons, chickens, ducks, etc., mainly transmitted through air and close contact, such as inhalation or poultry droppings, secretions, feather mist or dust and infection, but also through broken skin, mucous membranes or conjunctival infection.
The population is generally susceptible, and poultry breeders, salesmen, slaughterers, birdwatchers, pet store staff, etc. are at higher risk of infection. The incubation period is generally 5-21 days (minimum 3 days, maximum 45 days).
What happens when you get psittacosis infection?
Usually after a human infection with psittacosis, there will be high fever (body temperature can reach more than 39 ° C), headache, dry cough, fatigue, dyspnea, pneumonia and other symptoms, if not treated in time , it can develop into severe disease, prolongation of the course of the disease or even death.
How to prevent psittacosis?
(1) When contacting birds , attention should be paid to standardizing the wearing of masks and gloves, washing hands frequently, and avoiding scratches and bites.
(2) Do not contact or eat sick and dead birds as much as possible, and do personal protection when dealing with sick and dead birds.
(3) There is no targeted vaccine for psittacosis, such as fever, headache, cough and other symptoms, you should seek medical attention in time, and inform the doctor whether you have been exposed to birds
(4) The environment, site and utensils for raising birds or poultry can be standardized disinfected with 0.5% carbolic acid solution.