Bird Keepers Beware: Parrot Fever Spreads in Europe, 5 Fatalities, 81 Cases Across 4 Countries!
Many countries in Europe are experiencing an outbreak of a contagious disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) has named this disease Parrot Fever. WHO states that it is very dangerous, causing the death of 5 people so far.
Spread of Parrot Fever in Birds and Humans
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Parrot Fever spreads among birds due to bacteria. Humans can also get infected by these bacteria through contact with infected birds.
Cases in Europe and Impact
Since 2023, cases have been reported in European countries. CNN reported WHO mentioning that Parrot Fever is also identified as Psittacosis. Residents of European countries have been affected adversely. Even in the beginning of 2023, people were infected, but now they are losing their lives due to it.
Cases in Denmark and Other European Countries
23 cases have been reported in Denmark. WHO reported that Austria confirmed 14 cases in 2023, but this year, only 4 cases have been reported until March. A total of 18 cases have been recorded. Additionally, there were 14 cases in Germany in 2023, with 5 cases reported until now this year, totaling 19 cases. This means that 60 people in 3 countries have been infected with Parrot Fever.
Influence of Climate Change on Disease Spread
Research suggests that climate change is contributing to the spread of diseases. Animals living in colder and warmer regions cannot adapt to increasing temperatures, so they are moving to higher or cooler places. Diseases are spreading to areas where they were not previously found.
Case Study – Spread of Buruli Ulcer in Australia
In Australia, the spread of Buruli Ulcer disease is attributed to changes in temperature. Possums can carry the disease but may seek better conditions for their survival in other countries if there are changes in temperature there.
Human-Animal Contact and Disease Spread
Due to development, humans have encroached upon forests, leading to increased contact with animals, mosquitoes, bacteria, and fungi. These animals are adapting to changing environments and continuing to live in our environment, leading to the spread of many diseases that are hazardous to human life.
Increased Vulnerability due to Rising Temperatures
The number of people affected by increased temperatures is also increasing. Approximately 200 million people are displaced annually due to climate change.
WHO’s Warning and Future Projections
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), climate change-related fluctuations in weather patterns are increasingly affecting human life. Between 2030 and 2050, contaminated water alone could cause 250,000 deaths from diseases like malaria.
