Information From Your Health Care Provider

PSITTACOSIS

(Parrot Fever; Ornithosis)

Basic information

description

Psittacosis is a rare infection transmitted by birds. The infection may be mild to severe. It is primarily a lung disease, but it may affect other organs. It can occur in all age groups, including children.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Fever and chills.
General ill feeling.
Appetite loss.
Cough without sputum that progresses to a cough with occasional discolored sputum.
Shortness of breath.
Headache (may be severe).

causes

Infection by the germ, Chlamydia psittaci, a special type of bacteria. Psittacosis is found in psittacine birds (parrots, parakeets, and lovebirds), poultry, pigeons, canaries, and some sea birds. Birds may not appear to be sick. Germs enter the human body by breathing in air that contains the germ or by a bite from an infected bird. Symptoms may begin 5 days to 4 weeks after exposure. Human-to-human transmission is rare but possible.

risk increases with

Bird owners.
Pet shop employees.
Veterinary clinic employees.
Poultry farmers or ranchers.
Zoo workers.
Working in poultry processing plants.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Avoid dust from bird feathers and cage contents.
Don't handle any sick bird. Imported psittacine birds must be treated for 45 days with feed that contains chlortetracycline. This eliminates the germs from the birds' blood and feces.

expected outcomes

Usually curable in 10 to 21 days with treatment.

possible complications

Hepatitis.
Heart inflammation.
Nervous system complications.
Infection may recur.
Kidney failure.
Severe or fatal pneumonia (rare).

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider will usually do a physical exam and ask questions about your exposure to birds. Medical tests may include blood studies or a sputum culture. X-rays of the lungs may be done.
Treatment usually involves drugs and supportive care for symptoms.
Hospital care may be needed in severe cases. Breathing support may be required and fluids may be given through a vein (IV).
Use a heating pad or warm, moist compresses on the chest to relieve pain.
Don't smoke.
Public health agencies will be notified about cases of psittacosis.

medications

Doxycycline, tetracycline, or another antibiotic drug will be prescribed. They may be taken by mouth or given through a vein (IV). Take the full course of drugs prescribed, even if symptoms improve in a day or two.
For minor pain, take nonprescription drugs such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

activity

Usually no limits unless hospital care is needed. Fatigue and weakness may persist for several weeks for some patients.

diet

No special diet. Increase fluid intake to at least one glass of fluid every hour. This helps to thin lung secretions so they can be coughed up more easily.

notify our office if

You or a family member has symptoms of psittacosis.
Symptoms get worse or do not improve despite treatment.