# 1261
No, there is no reason to suspect bird flu.
But dozens of visitors to a bird show in Netherlands have fallen ill, six are hospitalized, and one is in critical condition.
The culprit is most likely Psittacosis, or Parrot Fever, caused by Chlamydia psittaci, one of several microorganisms in the genus Chlamydia.
This report via Christian and Dutchy on Flutrackers.
Netherlands: dozens ill after visiting bird show
Tientallen zieken na vogelshow in Weurt
De Telegraaf - vr 16 nov 2007,
WEURT - Dozens of people got sick after visiting a bird show of the Birdlovers Society in Weurt near Nijmegen. Of the six hospitalized patiens, two suffer from a double pneunomia. One is said to be in critical condition. The GGD (GGD Nijmegen) runs test to see if it is the contagious 'parrot disease'.
According to secretary Geert Willems of the Birdlovers Society, the show, held on november 3-4, attrackted some 150-200 visitors. Symptoms of parrot disease usually come after a day or ten.
Starting wednesday (14 nov), it turned out that many who were connected to the Society, had similar complaints of sore throats, shivering, and a flu-like feeling.
Five members of the Society are in hospital in Nijmegen, while an inspector is in hospital in Eindhoven.
The GGD Nijmegen says that estabishing/excluding parrot disease can be done quickly. But before doing so , the health organazation first wants to talk with the doctors involved and members of the Society, to hear what exactly did happen. The GGD expects to be able to tell more about the plan of action of this possible outbreak.
Parrot disease is spreading through faeces of birds and airborne particles coming from animals. The elderly are especially susceptible.
The organizers advise any visitors who have developed a serious cold, to visit a physician, because initial symptoms are similar to ordinary flu.
The bird that took part must be kept in quarantaine for ten days.
The organizers of a bird show in Druten have called off the event because of the infection.
Note: I am gleefully unrepentant about this blog's title. An opportunity like that doesn't come along every day.
