Psittacosis Europe in 1879. In 1929, a highly publicized outbreak of psittacosis hit the United States. Although not the first report of psittacosis in the United States, it was the largest up to that time. It led to greater controls on the import of pet parrots. The aftermath of the outbreak and how it was handled led to the establishment of the National Institutes of Health. From 2002 through 2009, 66 human cases of psittacosis were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and most resulted from exposure to infected pet birds, usually cockatiels, parakeets, and macaws. Many more
Contagious (novel) Contagious (novel) Contagious is a science fiction thriller novel by Scott Sigler. It is the sequel to Sigler's "Infected", and like its predecessor was released in both podcast and print versions. "Contagious" continues the story of 2008's "Infected", predominantly following characters Perry Dawsey and Margaret Montoya as they attempt to stop an alien infestation of 'hatchlings'. Dawsey, former Michigan linebacker, has survived the events in "Infected", but remains telepathically linked to the aliens. His insight into the aliens' behaviors help the government hunt them down, and Dawsey is forced to participate. Critical reception for "Contagious" was mostly positive, with author