La Pampa: Three suspected cases of psittacosis detected in the north of the province

The patients are hospitalized and under medical monitoring. In this regard, the provincial Ministry of Health raised a series of recommendations to prevent the disease.

The Ministry of Health of La Pampa reported that three people with suspected psittacosis were reported in the north of the Province. The patients are hospitalized and under medical monitoring. It is a disease caused by a bacterium (Chlamydia psittaci), transmitted mainly by birds (parrots, pigeons and other species). It can cause respiratory symptoms such as: dry cough, cold, shortness of breath, fever, headache and general malaise.

In order to prevent new cases, the Ministry of Health recommended to the community:

Consult the Health Center immediately in the presence of symptoms, especially if there was contact with birds.
Do not capture wild birds, or buy them on the street from street vendors or through social networks. Do not acquire birds in places that are not authorised or without a health certificate.
Do not introduce birds recently caught or purchased without a health certificate in cages where there are already other birds.
Avoid handling sick or dead birds.
Feed the birds correctly, keep the cages clean and ventilated. Use gloves and a mask when performing hygiene.
Respect the living space of each bird, they should not be overcrowded.