13 March 2012 16:04 GMT
A health board has launched an investigation into a suspected outbreak of a potentially deadly bug known as "parrot fever".
It is understood that a number of patients may have contracted the bug, which in severe cases can affect the heart and the brain, by inhaling dust from dry bird droppings or handling affected birds.
NHS Tayside confirmed on Tuesday that it had been forced to take action after laboratory tests identified some patients treated for pneumonia could have been suffering from the condition.
The infection is caused by a rare type of bacteria, known as Chlamydophila psittaci, and can be fatal to the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.
In rare cases, the infection can also be transmitted by humans, and has been known to leave some patients comatose.
Dr Chris McGuigan, consultant in public health with the health board, said: "NHS Tayside's health protection team is currently investigating a small number of cases of pneumonia from earlier this year.
"We believe these cases may be due to an infection with bacteria called Chlamydophila.
"Such respiratory infections usually cause mild pneumonia or bronchitis. However, they can cause more severe illness.
"A laboratory has identified the organism as Chlamydophila. Contacts for the cases have been appropriately advised and I would like to assure people that we have no reason to believe there is any risk to the wider public."
Parrot fever symptoms usually develop within five to 14 days of exposure to the bug. Symptoms include fever, headache, chills, loss of appetite, coughing and fatigue. In more serious cases, sufferers develop pneumonia.
Professor Hugh Pennington, bacteria expert at Aberdeen University, described the bug as "nasty" - and urged anyone who suspected they may have come down with the condition to seek medical advice as soon as possible.
He said: "It is a bug we can treat with antibiotics but sometimes it can be quite tricky to diagnose. I know there have been a few cases before but it is pretty rare.
"Unfortunately, it can be quite serious when it happens. People can have a long preliminary illness, often with a sore throat or a cough and then it can lead to pneumonia. In very rare cases, organs such as the heart and the brain can be affected." http://www.stv.tv/
A health board has launched an investigation into a suspected outbreak of a potentially deadly bug known as "parrot fever".
It is understood that a number of patients may have contracted the bug, which in severe cases can affect the heart and the brain, by inhaling dust from dry bird droppings or handling affected birds.
NHS Tayside confirmed on Tuesday that it had been forced to take action after laboratory tests identified some patients treated for pneumonia could have been suffering from the condition.
The infection is caused by a rare type of bacteria, known as Chlamydophila psittaci, and can be fatal to the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.
In rare cases, the infection can also be transmitted by humans, and has been known to leave some patients comatose.
Dr Chris McGuigan, consultant in public health with the health board, said: "NHS Tayside's health protection team is currently investigating a small number of cases of pneumonia from earlier this year.
"We believe these cases may be due to an infection with bacteria called Chlamydophila.
"Such respiratory infections usually cause mild pneumonia or bronchitis. However, they can cause more severe illness.
"A laboratory has identified the organism as Chlamydophila. Contacts for the cases have been appropriately advised and I would like to assure people that we have no reason to believe there is any risk to the wider public."
Parrot fever symptoms usually develop within five to 14 days of exposure to the bug. Symptoms include fever, headache, chills, loss of appetite, coughing and fatigue. In more serious cases, sufferers develop pneumonia.
Professor Hugh Pennington, bacteria expert at Aberdeen University, described the bug as "nasty" - and urged anyone who suspected they may have come down with the condition to seek medical advice as soon as possible.
He said: "It is a bug we can treat with antibiotics but sometimes it can be quite tricky to diagnose. I know there have been a few cases before but it is pretty rare.
"Unfortunately, it can be quite serious when it happens. People can have a long preliminary illness, often with a sore throat or a cough and then it can lead to pneumonia. In very rare cases, organs such as the heart and the brain can be affected." http://www.stv.tv/
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