Psittacosis facts for kids

Psittacosis is a sickness caused by tiny germs called bacteria. People can catch it from birds like parrots, pigeons, and parakeets. This disease is not very common, with only about 50 cases reported in the United States each year.

What is Psittacosis?

Psittacosis is also known as "parrot fever" because it often spreads from parrots. However, many other birds can carry the bacteria that cause it. When birds are infected, they might not look sick, but they can still pass the germs to people. It's important to be careful when handling birds, especially if they seem unwell.

Signs and Symptoms of Psittacosis

When someone gets psittacosis, they usually feel like they have the flu. This means they might have a fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, and a dry cough. Sometimes, doctors can see signs of pneumonia (a lung infection) on an x-ray.

In very rare cases, psittacosis can cause other problems. These might include swelling in the heart, joints, or even the front part of the eye. If you feel sick after being around birds, it's a good idea to tell an adult or see a doctor.

How Doctors Treat Psittacosis

Good news! Psittacosis is usually easy to treat with special medicines called antibiotics. A common antibiotic used is Tetracycline. Most people who get psittacosis get better quickly with treatment. It's very rare for someone to die from it, happening in only about 1 out of every 100 cases. Early treatment helps people recover faster and prevents more serious problems.

Images for kids

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  An immature little blue heron with psittacosis

See also

In Spanish: Psitacosis para niños