2. DEFINITION
• Q fever is an infection caused by the bacterium Coxiella
burnetii. Q fever is usually a mild disease with flu-like
symptoms. Many people have no symptoms at all. In a
small percentage of people, the infection can resurface
years later. This more deadly form of Q fever can damage
your heart, liver, brain and lungs.
3. SYMPTOMS
• Many people infected with Q fever never show symptoms. If you do
have symptoms, you'll probably notice them between three and 30
days after exposure to the bacteria. Signs and symptoms may include:
• High fever, up to 105 F (41 C)
• Severe headache
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Sensitivity to light
4. CAUSES
Q fever is caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, commonly
found in sheep, goats and cattle. The bacterium can also infect
pets, including cats, dogs and rabbits.
These animals transmit the bacteria through their urine, feces, milk
and birthing products — such as the placenta and amniotic fluid.
5. CULPRIT
PETS
AND
LIVESTOCKS
PERSONS
OCCUPATION
AND HOBBIES
When these substances dry, the
bacteria in them become part of the
barnyard dust that floats in the air.
The infection is usually transmitted to
humans through their lungs, when
they inhale contaminated barnyard
dust.
6. RISK FACTORS
• Occupation. Certain occupations place you at higher risk because you're
exposed to animals and animal products as part of your job. At-risk
occupations include veterinary medicine, meat processing, livestock farming
and animal research.
• Location. Simply being near a farm or farming facility may put you at higher
risk of Q fever, because the bacteria can travel long distances, accompanying
dust particles in the air.
• Your sex. Men are more likely to develop symptomatic acute Q fever.
• Time of year. Q fever can occur at any time of the year, but the number of
infections usually peaks in march and april.
7. RISK FACTORS
• The risk of eventually developing the more deadly form of Q
fever is increased in people who have:
• Heart valve disease
• Blood vessel abnormalities
• Weakened immune systems
• A type of kidney disease known as chronic renal insufficiency
