The Ministry of Health of Argentina reported an increase in cases of psittacosis according to data from the National Health Surveillance System and information provided by different actors in the health system involved. This increase in cases occurs in the midst of a study of cases of severe acute pneumonia that had been reported by some establishments in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires and by the Argentine Society of Intensive Care.
It should be noted that psittacosis is an infectious disease transmitted to humans, mainly through birds such as parrots, turkeys and pigeons. This disease is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia psittaci and is generally transmitted by inhalation of dust from dried fecal material in bird cages, as well as by handling infected birds, especially in slaughterhouses.
Symptoms of psittacosis
In humans, psittacosis can manifest with fever, headache, chills and, in some cases, it can progress to pneumonia. In birds, typical symptoms include poor appetite, a disheveled appearance, eye or nasal discharge, and diarrhea. Sometimes this disease can be fatal to birds. Additionally, it is important to note that some birds can carry the causative agent of psittacosis and excrete it without showing visible symptoms of illness.
In the course of the investigations, cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae were also identified, although in a quantity that does not exceed what was expected. Furthermore, no cases of non-subtypeable influenza A viruses or other respiratory viruses other than those normally in circulation have been found. On the other hand, the National Health Surveillance System (SNVS) has not registered an increase in notifications of pneumonia cases.
Faced with this alarming situation, the technical teams of the National Ministry of Health, together with the reference laboratories and the Ministry of Health of the Province of Buenos Aires, in collaboration with the Argentine Society of Infectious Diseases, the Argentine Society of Medicine and the Argentine Society of Intensive Care, have developed epidemiological communication.
This initiative seeks to intensify epidemiological surveillance and provide crucial information to health teams regarding psittacosis and community pneumonia suspected to be caused by atypical pathogens. Additionally, it focuses on promoting early detection, accurate diagnosis and effective clinical management, as well as promoting research and strategies for the prevention and control of infections, specifically including psittacosis.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health continues to monitor the situation permanently together with jurisdictional teams.
Recommendations from the Ministry of Health of Argentina
- Avoid capturing wild birds or buying them on the street.
- Make sure birds are kept in well-ventilated and spacious areas, without overcrowding.
- Feed the birds properly and keep the cages clean.
- Avoid spending long periods in closed spaces where birds are found.
- Do not place recently caught or acquired birds without a health certificate in cages with other birds already present.
If a person develops respiratory symptoms after coming into contact with birds that could be sick, they should go to the nearest health center or hospital for a medical consultation. Although the disease is usually mild or moderate, it can sometimes be severe, especially in older adults, the elderly, and people without adequate treatment.
Preventive measures for the care of birds in captivity:
- Clean the floor and all surfaces of the cage or nearby areas that come into contact with bird feces daily.
- Always moisten these areas with disinfectant solutions (for example, two tablespoons of bleach in one liter of water) before cleaning, to avoid the formation of aerosols from dried excrement.
- Minimize the stress of birds, ensuring respect for their living space, providing adequate food and keeping them in well-ventilated places.
- Avoid spending long periods in closed spaces where birds are found.
- Isolate newly acquired birds for 30-45 days and perform diagnostic tests. Start a treatment before integrating them with other birds.
