Treyfish
Moderator
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=StandardText>10 July 2007</TD><TD class=StandardText align=right> </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2 height=8></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top colSpan=2>New fears of parrot flu outbreak
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An increase in pneumonia cases at Blue Mountains Hospital has alerted staff in the Sydney West Area Health Service to a possible outbreak of parrot fever similar to an outbreak that caused alarm in Lithgow and the Mountains two years ago.
Five people have been admitted during the past week and three remain in hospital.
Autumn and Winter are the seasons when psittacosis, or 'parrot fever', can occur.
"Psittacosis can cause a mild illness similar to influenza, but in some people can cause a severe pneumonia requiring hospitalisation," Dr James Branley, an infectious diseases specialist at Blue Mountains and Nepean Hospitals, said.
"Illness from psittacosis peaks at this time of year so it is important to be aware of the risks," he said.
Dr Branley is advising people in the Blue Mountains to take care when handling dead birds or mowing the lawn.
"Direct exposure to birds or dust containing bird droppings can cause illness.
"It is very important to wear gloves and a dust mask if handling birds or when gardening or pruning in areas where birds have left droppings, and to use a grass-catcher while mowing.
"People should also avoid feeding wild birds.
"Early symptoms of psittacosis include fever, headache, body pains, and dry cough," Dr Branley said.
"If symptoms persist, or are accompanied by breathing difficulties, seek medical attention from your family doctor or hospital.
"Specific antibiotics are effect against psittacosis.
"If you are treated for psittacosis, it's important to take extra precautions following the infection and try to avoid contact with wild birds."
Dr Branley stressed that infection requires exposure to birds or dust containing bird droppings.
"There is no evidence that visitors, tourist, or bushwalkers are more at risk," he said.
The Public Health Unit is currently investigating the outbreak in collaboration with general practitioners and physicians at the Blue Mountains Hospital. Information on psittacosis is available by calling the Public Health Unit on 4734-20022 or online at www.health.nsw.gov.au. :tiphat: Blue Mountains Gazette
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http://lithgow.yourguide.com.au/det...ass=general&story_id=1018980&category=general
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width=160 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
An increase in pneumonia cases at Blue Mountains Hospital has alerted staff in the Sydney West Area Health Service to a possible outbreak of parrot fever similar to an outbreak that caused alarm in Lithgow and the Mountains two years ago.
Five people have been admitted during the past week and three remain in hospital.
Autumn and Winter are the seasons when psittacosis, or 'parrot fever', can occur.
"Psittacosis can cause a mild illness similar to influenza, but in some people can cause a severe pneumonia requiring hospitalisation," Dr James Branley, an infectious diseases specialist at Blue Mountains and Nepean Hospitals, said.
"Illness from psittacosis peaks at this time of year so it is important to be aware of the risks," he said.
Dr Branley is advising people in the Blue Mountains to take care when handling dead birds or mowing the lawn.
"Direct exposure to birds or dust containing bird droppings can cause illness.
"It is very important to wear gloves and a dust mask if handling birds or when gardening or pruning in areas where birds have left droppings, and to use a grass-catcher while mowing.
"People should also avoid feeding wild birds.
"Early symptoms of psittacosis include fever, headache, body pains, and dry cough," Dr Branley said.
"If symptoms persist, or are accompanied by breathing difficulties, seek medical attention from your family doctor or hospital.
"Specific antibiotics are effect against psittacosis.
"If you are treated for psittacosis, it's important to take extra precautions following the infection and try to avoid contact with wild birds."
Dr Branley stressed that infection requires exposure to birds or dust containing bird droppings.
"There is no evidence that visitors, tourist, or bushwalkers are more at risk," he said.
The Public Health Unit is currently investigating the outbreak in collaboration with general practitioners and physicians at the Blue Mountains Hospital. Information on psittacosis is available by calling the Public Health Unit on 4734-20022 or online at www.health.nsw.gov.au. :tiphat: Blue Mountains Gazette
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
http://lithgow.yourguide.com.au/det...ass=general&story_id=1018980&category=general