In a development that has sent ripples of concern through the global health community, a mysterious respiratory illness has emerged in Buenos Aires, Argentina, hospitalising dozens of otherwise healthy individuals.

This outbreak, reminiscent of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, has raised alarms due to its rapid spread and the severity of symptoms experienced by patients.



The illness, described as 'severe atypical pneumonia,' has affected around 60 people, necessitating mechanical ventilation for several of them due to respiratory distress.

The cases were brought to international attention through ProMED, an international public health surveillance system that also played a pivotal role in identifying the COVID-19 outbreak.


The alert was submitted anonymously ‘via an individual known to ProMED’, which stated: ‘In the past 30 days, there appears to have been an increase in severe atypical pneumonia requiring critical care in Buenos Aires.’

'The affected individuals are mostly young people without major risk factors.'

As of now, the exact nature of the illness remains a mystery, and Argentinian health officials have yet to release an official statement.

However, one-third of the cases have shown signs of psittacosis, also known as parrot fever, a type of chlamydia found in birds that can be transmitted to humans.



Psittacosis is an infection that usually spreads through exposure to infected pet birds, such as cockatiels, budgies, and pigeons.

While it often presents with flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, and muscle aches, it can escalate to more severe conditions like pneumonia if left untreated.

The disease is particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant women.

‘Although psittacosis appears to be the etiology of some of the cases, there may be more than one agent involved. ProMED would appreciate more information about these cases,’ the alert added.



Professor Paul Hunter from the University of East Anglia said that it was ‘too early’ to confirm whether ‘psittacosis is the only issue’.

'It would be unusual but not unheard of for two different pathogens to cause simultaneous outbreaks of severe respiratory disease,’ he said.

'So, with time, it may be that even more of these cases may be shown to be due to psittacosis.'

‘Presumably, the act of mowing resuspended the bird droppings into the air to be then inhaled by the person doing the mowing,’ Professor Hunter added.

'Having said that, it is unlikely that this will pose a threat more widely than the current area. But we still shouldn't be complacent, avian psittacosis can spread to birds in other areas.'



In a similar story, Queensland health authorities have been grappling with a surge in cases of a different respiratory illness that resembled COVID-19.

A mum experienced this first-hand when her three-year-old daughter had the symptoms. You can read more about the story here.
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