The Centre for Health Protection has confirmed a case of psittacosis, a bird-borne disease. 

A 40-year-old woman developed cough and shortness of breath and confusion on January 22, and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Princess Margaret Hospital on the same day. She is now in stable condition.

Psittacosis is a disease caused by Chlamydia Psittaci which may be transmitted when someone inhales it from dried bird droppings, secretions and dust from feathers. 

The woman had not travelled in the past six months. She has kept three pet birds at home since last November and they have been surrendered to the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department.

The patient's family members have no symptoms. They have been put under medical surveillance. The source of infection is under investigation.

Simple measures help prevent illness

Patients usually have fever, headache, rash, sore muscles, chills and upper or lower respiratory tract symptoms. Inflammation of the brain or heart tissues or blood clots are occasional complications. Person to person transmission is rare.

The disease can be treated effectively with antibiotics.

To prevent psittacosis, people are advised to take the following measures:

�E wear gloves and face masks when handling bird droppings;

�E wash hands thoroughly after handling birds;

�E avoid close contact with birds;

�E disinfect bird cage and surfaces contaminated by bird droppings with detergent;

�E seek medical treatment if symptoms develop.