Parrot fever (psittacosis) definition - medical term
An infectious disease due
to a bacteria (Chlamydia psittaci) contracted from psittacine birds,
especially caged birds like parrots, parakeets, and lovebirds and
also in turkey processing
plants.
The bacteria enter the human body by inhalation of air that
contains it or by a bite from an infected bird. The incubation period
is 1 to 3 weeks after exposure to the onset of symptoms.
The signs and symptoms of the disease include fever and chills.
ill feeling (malaise), loss of appetite, cough and shortness of
breath.
The diagnosis is made by recovering the bacteria in the laboratory
from the patient's blood or sputum.
Treatment includes an antibiotic such as tetracycline. With early
diagnosis and proper treatment, the disease is usually over in a week
or two.
To avoid the disease, avoid dust from bird feathers and cage
contents and do not handle a sick bird.
The name psittacosis comes from the Greek
"psittakos" meaning parrot.
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