A man seeking treatment in Longgang People’s Hospital was diagnosed with crytococcal meningitis, which was possibly transmitted through pigeon excrement, SZTV reported.
The patient had been suffering from a low fever and headache for a long time.
Wu Ming, a doctor with the hospital’s Neurology Department, said the patient came to see him in April saying he had a constant headache and felt nauseous and tired, and his condition had barely improved after taking fever medication.
“The symptoms he had were just a headache and low fever,” said Wu.
The patient was later diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis. “The disease can become very severe and dangerous if left untreated,” said the doctor.
As for the source of the bacteria that causes cryptococcal meningitis, Wu said that it is often found in pigeon excrement and can be transmitted to humans through the respiratory tract, intestinal tract or damaged skin.
The infection first develops in the patient’s lungs and lead to further infection in the central nervous system. Once infected, treatment can take around six months to a year and after-effects may also linger, according to the doctor.
People will not be easily infected by the bacteria in pigeon excrement, but if a person has a weakened immune system an infection is more likely.
The doctor reminded residents to avoid touching bird excrement, especially if they have open wounds, and to wear gloves when feeding pigeons. People should go to see a doctor as soon as possible if they are suffering from a long-term headache and nausea.