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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has confirmed a case of psittacosis, a bird-borne disease.
A 25-year-old man developed fever, runny nose and myalgia since September 14 and was admitted to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital on September 18. His nasopharyngeal aspirate taken was confirmed positive for Chlamydia psittaci on October 25. He has already recovered after treatment with antibiotics and has been discharged.
Psittacosis is a disease caused by Chlamydia psittaci. Transmission is usually by inhaling the infectious agent from dried droppings and secretions of infected birds.
Investigations revealed that the man, who had no recent travel history, had contact at work with parrots suspected to have been infected with Chlamydia psittaci. Preliminary investigations showed that four of his colleagues reported similar symptoms in September. All sought medical treatment and have recovered. Laboratory tests on these four persons are in progress and they have been put under medical surveillance. Family members of the confirmed case have reported no symptoms.
The parrots were bought from a pet shop in Wan Chai. The CHP visited the workplace and pet shop together with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. Environmental specimens and parrot droppings were collected for further investigation and results are pending.
The shopkeepers of the shop were asymptomatic.
Patients with psittacosis usually present 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 effectively with antibiotics.
To prevent psittacosis, people are advised to take the following measures:
* Wear gloves and a face mask when handling bird droppings;
* Wash hands thoroughly after handling birds;
* Avoid close contact with birds;
* Disinfect bird cages and surfaces contaminated by bird droppings with detergent; and
* Seek medical treatment if symptoms develop.
Ends/Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:04
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