In humans, after an incubation period of 5-14 days, the symptoms of the disease range from mild illness to systemic illness with severe pneumonia. A history of exposure to birds, while not always present, is a major risk factor for infection. Psittacosis is characterized by a wide range in both disease severity and in spectrum of clinical features, but typically presents with fever, prominent headache, myalgia, and a nonproductive cough.

In a case of suspicion of psittacosis, appropriate history is the key for diagnosis and management. Specific area of focused history include:

• History of exposure to parrots
• History of handling birds
• Occupational history – cage cleaners, veterinarians
• Recent visit to a zoo or bird park

In psittacosis, symptoms are due to secondary bacteremia from the reticuloendothelial system (lymph nodes). Psittacosis is associated with constitutional symptoms like:^[1]

• Fever
• Headache
• Chills
• Malaise
• Fatigue

Symptoms of pneumonia/respiratory system:^[2][3][4]

• Dry cough
• Shortness of breath
• Blood-tinged sputum at times
• Sore throat
• Epistaxis

Symptoms due to complications that include:^[5]

• Joint aches
• Muscle aches
• Confusion
• Photophobia