Press Release

A case of Psittacosis confirmed

23 February, 2005

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health confirmed a case of psittacosis, a bird-borne disease.

A 40-year-old woman developed cough and shortness of breath and confusion on January 22, and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Princess Margaret Hospital on the same day. Her condition was improving and is now in stable condition.

Psittacosis is a disease caused by Chlamydia Psittaci. Transmission is usually by inhaling the agents from dried droppings, secretions and dust from feathers of infected birds.

Investigations revealed that the woman, who had no travel history in the past six months, had kept three pet birds at home since November 2004. Her family members had no symptoms.

As a precautionary measure, the three birds were voluntarily surrendered to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.

The family members of the patient have been put under medical surveillance. The source of infection is under investigation.

Patient usually presented with fever, headache, rash, myalgia, chills and upper or lower respiratory tract symptoms. Encephalitis, myocarditis and thrombophlebitis are occasional complications. Person to person transmission is rare.

The disease can be treated with antibiotics effectively.

To prevent psittacosis, members of the public are advised to take the following measures:

• Wear glove and face masks when handling droppings of birds;
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling birds;
• Avoid close contact with birds;
• Disinfect bird cage and surfaces contaminated by bird droppings with detergent;
• Seek medical treatment if symptoms develop.