Children getting fungal infections from pigeons. Recently, an 11-year-old child in Delhi was found to have a fungal infection. The child was having trouble breathing. Doctors found that the child was in contact with pigeons. The fungus flew from the pigeon's wings and entered his nose. Then it spread from the chest to the lungs. The child is currently admitted in Delhi's Gangaram Hospital in critical condition. So doctors advise to be careful from pigeons.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis

According to doctors, the disease caused by a fungal infection in the lungs of pigeons is known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). The biggest cause of this is the fungus coming out of pigeon feathers and faeces. The doctors of Gangaram Hospital said that the physical condition of the HP-affected child is steadily improving. The patient is being given continuous therapy to increase the amount of oxygen in the body. Steroids are also being given.

Infections can be fatal

People of Delhi NCR are fed up with pigeons. Pigeons are seen sitting on the balcony of almost every home, school, college, hospital etc. Some also feed pigeons with grain. People feed pigeons in many places in Delhi and Noida. Doctors say, infection from pigeons, even dogs and cats can be fatal.

The disease reaches the brain

Doctors say that when pigeons flap their wings, the fungus on their feathers can infect someone's lungs through the nose. If it is prolonged it can damage the lungs. In many people the infection reaches the brain and can lead to meningitis. It's deadly. Similarly, the hair of dogs and cats goes from the nose to the lungs. It is also very dangerous. The white patches can get under the lungs and cause infection.