Urgent warning about ‘avian chlamydia’ after five people die in ‘unusual’ outbreak sweeping Europe

Five Europeans have died in an outbreak of avian chlamydia that has spooked health chiefs.

Officials from the World Health Organization (WHO) have issued an urgent warning about an ‘unusual’ increase in the number of people developing psittacosis in Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark and Sweden.

The flu-like illness, nicknamed parrot fever, is caused by a type of chlamydia common in birds.

It is different from the species responsible for the human STD and is not spread sexually.

Psittacosis usually causes mild symptoms such as headache and coughing. Still, in severe cases it can lead to severe pneumonia and meningitis.

It can be especially problematic for the elderly or those with weakened immune systems.

Surveillance data shows that rates of psittacosis, also called ornithosis, in Austria are up to seven times higher than expected.

The WHO said: ‘Although birds carrying this disease could cross international borders, there is currently no evidence that this disease is spread nationally or internationally by humans.

‘Generally speaking, people do not spread the bacteria that causes psittacosis to other people, so the chance of further transmission of the disease from person to person is small.

‘If the correct diagnosis is made, this pathogen can be treated with antibiotics.’

Officials have urged pet owners, who are most at risk, to keep cages clean and avoid overcrowding.

Workers who have regular contact with potentially infected birds, such as pet store employees and veterinarians, should also maintain good hand hygiene, the WHO said.

Infected birds do not always show signs of illness. Sick birds may have no appetite, inflamed eyes, breathing difficulties and diarrhea.

Parrot fever is a respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydophila psittaci.

The bug can infect people who are exposed to infected birds, especially parrots, parakeets, budgerigars and cockatiels.

Pigeons, pigeons, ducks, turkeys and chickens can also be infected.

Infection usually occurs by inhaling airborne bacteria from bird droppings, feather dust, or respiratory secretions.

Human-to-human transmission is possible, but rare, studies show.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no evidence that the bacteria is spread by preparing or eating poultry.

In most recent cases, people had been exposed to domesticated or wild birds that were infected, the WHO said.

Denmark, where around two dozen human cases of psittacosis occur each year, has recorded 23 cases since the end of 2023, including four deaths.

However, officials suspect the number of cases is much higher.

One got parrot fever from a pet bird. Of the remaining 15 for which exposure information was available, 12 had contact with wild birds.

Three had no history whatsoever with the animals.

Another fatal accident was recorded in the Netherlands, where twice as many cases were registered as in previous years.

Of the three other countries under the WHO flag, Austria recorded fourteen confirmed cases in 2023. Normally the country only sees two per year.

The latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show four laboratory-confirmed cases of psittacosis in England in 2023.

In Britain, parakeets, the only wild parrot species in Britain and a popular pet, may pose a particular threat due to their large numbers across the country.

Scientists have long been concerned about rising numbers of rose-ringed parakeets, which are largely concentrated in suburban areas, especially in gardens and parks in England’s leafy south-east.