A pregnant woman in her 30s dies from avian-derived infection "psittacosis"; no history of bird ownership, infection route unknown—explaining the risk of severe cases and preventive measures

A pregnant woman in her 30s dies from avian-derived infection "psittacosis"; no history of bird ownership, infection route unknown—explaining the risk of severe cases and preventive measures

2025年06月13日 01:30

Table of Contents

  1. Case Overview

  2. What is Psittacosis? — Pathogen, Symptoms, Incubation Period

  3. Reasons for Severe Cases in Pregnant Women

  4. Background of Unidentified Infection Routes

  5. Domestic and International Occurrence and Past Cases

  6. Diagnosis and Treatment — Tetracycline Antibiotics as First Choice

  7. Preventive Measures: What Can Be Done at Home, Medical Institutions, and Public Facilities

  8. Public Health Challenges and Recommendations

  9. Conclusion


1. Case Overview

According to the announcement by Nagasaki Prefecture, a pregnant woman in her 30s developed a fever on January 8, 2024, and her condition worsened after visiting a medical institution on the 10th, leading to her death. A re-examination of preserved samples for determining the cause of death detected Chlamydia psittaci on June 5, 2025. The prefecture stated that "since she did not keep birds, the infection route is currently unknown."fnn.jpktn.co.jp



2. What is Psittacosis? — Pathogen, Symptoms, Incubation Period

Psittacosis is a type IV infectious disease caused by Chlamydia psittaci, primarily contracted by inhaling dust from the droppings or feathers of parrots, parakeets, pigeons, and similar birds. The incubation period is 1-2 weeks, with typical symptoms including fever, chills, muscle pain, and pneumonia with a dry cough. Severe cases may involve respiratory failure, myocarditis, and meningitis.mhlw.go.jpcdc.gov



3. Reasons for Severe Cases in Pregnant Women

Due to changes in immune balance during pregnancy (decreased Th1 and increased Th2), cellular immunity is suppressed, reducing the defense against the intracellular parasite C. psittaci. Overseas reports have noted cases of sepsis and placental infection leading to premature birth, referred to as "gestational psittacosis."stacks.cdc.govwwwnc.cdc.gov



4. Background of Untraceable Infection Routes

(1) A large number of pigeons inhabit parks and station squares, making feather dust easily airborne
(2) Overlooking indirect contact in pet shops and zoos
(3) Long incubation period and symptoms resembling influenza make it easy to miss


are some of the factors. The prefecture is continuing environmental surveys and interviews.news.ntv.co.jp



5. Domestic and International Occurrence and Past Cases

In Japan, there are an average of 10 to 40 reported cases annually, with fatalities being extremely rare. In Nagasaki Prefecture, this was the first reported case in eight years and the first fatality. In Europe and the United States, a slight increase has been reported along with the rise in bird popularity.ktn.co.jp



6. Diagnosis and Treatment—Tetracycline Antibiotics as First Choice

Diagnosis criteria include a fourfold or greater increase in antibodies in paired serum samples or a positive PCR. The first choice is doxycycline (10–14 days). For pregnant women, macrolides (such as azithromycin) are used, but severe cases require intensive care management. If treatment begins early, the mortality rate is considered to be less than 1%.cdc.gov



7. Preventive Measures: What Can Be Done at Home, Medical Institutions, and Public Facilities

SceneRecommended Measures
Pet CareWear N95 equivalent masks and gloves when cleaning cages, and have birds regularly checked during health exams
Places Where Wild Birds GatherAvoid feeding or leaving large amounts of bread crumbs, and try not to touch feathers or droppings
Medical InstitutionsConsider psittacosis in pregnant women with unexplained pneumonia, even without a history of contact with birds, and report promptly
Public Facilities and ZoosEnsure thorough cleaning of droppings and ventilation, and conduct regular inspections and education for caretakers




8. Public Health Challenges and Recommendations

  • Delayed Reporting: Pathogen identified only more than a year after death. Risk of missing similar cases.

  • Testing System: Need for PCR reagent stock and widespread rapid testing for pneumonia patients, especially pregnant women and the elderly.

  • Public Education: Insufficient awareness that even people who do not own birds can become infected.

  • Facility Hygiene: Audit compliance with testing guidelines at zoos and pet shops, and provide guidance for violations.mhlw.go.jpmhlw.go.jp



9. Conclusion

This case of death serves as a warning that "even pregnant women with no history of contact with birds can contract psittacosis and become severely ill." It is essential to include psittacosis in the differential diagnosis of pneumonia in pregnant women and immunocompromised patients, with early PCR testing and appropriate antibiotic administration. It is urgent for the government, medical institutions, and citizens to collaborate and re-evaluate measures against bird-derived infectious diseases.



Reference Article List

  • TV Nagasaki "30s Pregnant Woman in Nagasaki Dies, 'Psittacosis Infection' Confirmed" 2025-06-12 fnn.jp

  • Nagasaki International TV "Even Without Keeping Birds... 30s Pregnant Woman Dies from 'Psittacosis'" 2025-06-12 news.ntv.co.jp

  • KTN NEWS "30s Pregnant Woman in Nagasaki Dies, 'Psittacosis Infection' Confirmed" 2025-06-12 ktn.co.jp

  • Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare "About Psittacosis" mhlw.go.jp

  • CDC “Clinical Overview of Psittacosis” (retrieved 2025-06-12) cdc.gov

  • CDC “Gestational Psittacosis” case study PDF stacks.cdc.gov

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