Psittacosis domiciliary outbreak associated with monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) in Brazil: need for surveillance and control

Abstract

Introduction: Psittacosis is a bacterial infection of humans caused by Chlamydia psittaci and can lead to severe pneumonia that is potentially fatal if not treated. Many psittacosis cases occur after exposure to infected birds, frequently parakeets, cockatiels, parrots and macaws. Despite the fact that psittacosis is the most important zoonosis transmitted by pet birds, the disease is probably underdiagnosed due to diagnosis difficulties and lack of notification. Case presentation: Here, we described a psittacosis domiciliary outbreak related to monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) acquired from illegal trade, resulting in seven people with severe atypical pneumonia and six hospitalizations. Conclusion: Campaigns to raise awareness could increase the general degree of attentiveness to human psittacosis. Furthermore, focusing efforts on markets to regulate, or in some cases eliminate, the trade in wildlife could provide a cost‐effective approach to decrease the risks of disease for humans.