Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of psittacosis are similar to the symptoms of other respiratory illnesses.
In people
In general, psittacosis is a mild illness. The most common symptoms include:
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Dry cough
Most people begin developing signs and symptoms within 5 to 14 days after exposure to the bacteria (Chlamydia psittaci). Less commonly, people report symptoms starting after 14 days.
In birds
The signs of C. psittaci infection in birds are non-specific and include:
- Poor appetite
- Inflamed eyes
- Breathing difficulty
- Diarrhea
Infected birds may not have signs of disease or seem sick. When birds have symptoms caused by C. psittaci infection, veterinarians call the disease avian chlamydiosis.
Page last reviewed: March 17, 2022
Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases