Q fever
What is it?
Q (Query) fever -so -called because for many years its cause was unknown M is caused by
infection with Coxiella burnetii, a bacterium that affects humans and other animals, such
as sheep, cattle and goats. It has been suggested that Q fever could be developed foruse in biological warfare and is considered a potential terrorist threat.
History
Q fever was first recognised in abattoir workers in Brisbane, Australia in 1937.
Symptoms in animals
Signs of the disease are uncommon, but abortions may occur in cattle, sheep and goats in whom the highest infection rates have been reported.
Source
Human cases of Q fever are rare in the UK. However, there have been recent outbreaks M affecting as many as 138 people M in locations handling animals or processing meat. Because the disease is under reported, scientists cannot reliably assess its incidence. In the EU, reported human cases increased from 585 in 2007 to 1,599 in 2008.
Routes of transmission
Infection results from inhalation of contaminated particles in the air, and from contact with the milk, urine and faeces of infected animals. Human outbreaks are often associated with the farming birthing season.
Symptoms in people
Though Q fever usually causes only strong, but treatable, fluLlike symptoms in humans, it can cause severe pneumonia and is known to present an extra threat for people with autoimmune diseases and with heart valve problems. Only 1L2 per cent of people with acute Q fever die of the disease, but as many as 65 per cent of those with chronic long lasting versions may die.
Treatment
In most people, Q fever requires no treatment and symptoms will clear up on their own. But antibiotics may be needed
for some patients. C. burnetii is resistant to heat, drying and many common disinfectants. These features enable the bacteria to survive for long periods in the environment. Therefore, it is difficult to prevent farmed animals from
becoming infected and there are no formal control programmes or vaccines. During a 2009 Netherlands outbreak, the Dutch government ordered preventative measures, including vaccinations and a transport ban, as well as the slaughter of tens of thousands of pregnant sheep and goats.
for some patients. C. burnetii is resistant to heat, drying and many common disinfectants. These features enable the bacteria to survive for long periods in the environment. Therefore, it is difficult to prevent farmed animals from
becoming infected and there are no formal control programmes or vaccines. During a 2009 Netherlands outbreak, the Dutch government ordered preventative measures, including vaccinations and a transport ban, as well as the slaughter of tens of thousands of pregnant sheep and goats.