Elderly man sighted feeding pigeons at local tourist hotspot raises important healthcare issues

*Copyright Tan Wen Hui, 2007. This article is not meant to be taken for YOUR editing, except for the mentioned writer*

Yesterday afternoon, an investigative team of Matthew Yap correspondents caught sight of an elderly man in his sixties feeding a flock of pigeons outside the Goddess of Mercy temple situated in the heart of Waterloo Street.
In spite of a visual ‘No Feeding Pigeons’ signboard placed 4 metres away from feeding site, the man continued his feed.
“They’re just hungry, so he fed them.” Said another elderly man who was interviewed while resting on a bench nearby.
Approximately on a daily basis between the hours of 8-10 am and 2-5 pm, there would be at least 3 individuals who would purchase a bag of rice from the nearby food centres to feed the birds.
These birds are fast multipliers and begin breeding at the tender age of 6 months. If fed well, breeds faster.
A ban together with a fine of SGD 500 was imposed in 1993 to curb feeding pigeons as the government feared an overpopulation will not only soil our surroundings but also pose greater health risks to the public.
Residents residing in the vicinity faces a higher risk of developing health problems if this issue is not resolved.
The Ministry of Environment and Water Resources(MERW) addressed the above issue over an email sent that they will look into this matter seriously.
If necessary, they will launch public health campaigns specially targeted at elderly citizens to educate them on the dangers of feeding pigeons, which may lead to death due to excessive inhalation or contact with pigeon droppings.
Pigeon droppings contains a type of bacteria which causes hazardous health problems such as:-

Cryptococcosis
This disease attacks both the lungs and brains and is transmitted through inhalation of pigeon droppings contaminated with encapsulated yeast (fungus) Cryptococcus neoformans.
Symptoms include chest pain, dry cough, swelling of abdomen, headache, blurred vision and confusion.

Psittacosis
This disease attacks the lungs, and neurologic complications may occur, possibly leading to severe pneumonia requiring intensive-care.
Also known as ornithosis or Parrot Fever, psittacosis is caused by a bacterium called Chlamydophila psittaci (formerly Chlamydia psittaci).
Symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches and dry coughs.

Gastroenteritis
Also commonly known as food poisoning, stomach flu or gastric flu, gastroenteritis is transmitted through contaminated food and water via infected pigeon droppings.
Symptoms include severe stomach pain, diarrhea and/or vomiting.

Elderly residents residing in pigeon infested areas are strongly encourage not to feed these birds. Anyone displaying any of the above healthcare symptoms should seek immediate medical help.

TAN WEN HUI
infinitesaviour@gmail.com