Topic: Q Fever
Description
Q fever is caused by a bacterium called Coxiella burnetii. People get infected by inhaling the bacteria, usually while in contact with infected animals, animal tissues, or animal products. The main carriers of the disease are farm animals such as cattle, sheep and goats, but in rural areas kangaroos are also important. A wide range of other animals can be infected including camels, llamas, alpacas, rodents, cats, dogs, birds, wallabies and other marsupials. The bacteria can survive harsh conditions and remain in the environment for long periods of time, so hay, dust and other small particles may also carry the bacteria.
Symptoms
Many infected people have no or few symptoms. Those who become ill typically get high fever, chills, headache, extreme fatigue, muscle and joint pain and severe sweats. Some people have substantial weight loss. Symptoms usually persist for between two and six weeks and most people make a full recovery. However, chronic fatigue (post Q fever fatigue syndrome) is still present after 12 months in about 10-20% of people. This can affect an individual's ability to work at full capacity. Occasionally people develop chronic Q fever disease, which usually affects the heart (endocarditis). Individuals with heart conditions are particularly at risk of heart complications from Q fever.
Treatment
If given early antibiotics can reduce the time for which people have fever. Some people require admission to hospital. Chronic disease may require more than a year of antibiotics.
Prevention
People who work with animals or materials that may carry the Q fever bacteria should use appropriate protective equipment and be aware of the steps required to stop the spread of the bacteria. These include:
- washing hands and arms thoroughly in soapy water after handling animals or carcasses
- washing animal urine, faeces, blood and other body fluids from the work site and equipment, and disinfecting equipment and surfaces where practicable
- minimising dust and rodents in slaughter and animal housing areas
- keeping yard facilities for sheep and cattle well away from domestic living areas
- removing protective and/or other clothing that may carry the bacteria before returning to the home environment
- properly disposing of animal tissues including birthing products. This usually involves burial under a half to one metre of soil or incineration.
Unpasteurised milk should not be consumed.
An Australian Q fever vaccine is available. It is recommended for people exposed to potentially infectious animals or materials. This includes abattoir workers, farmers, kangaroo shooters, vets, tanners, tradesmen who visit abattoirs, laundry staff who clean clothing from abattoirs, and many others. Before vaccination, people must have skin and blood tests to check if they have previously been infected with Q fever. Workplaces at risk should have a vaccination program. People can also seek information on vaccination from their local public health unit or GP.
Help and Assistance
For further information, please contact your local doctor or public health unit.
Other Resources
- Q fever Queensland Health guidelines
When a person agrees to be part of the Australian Q fever register, the register records when a person has had Q fever vaccination. It also includes information on the disease and a list of doctors qualified to give Q fever vaccines.
Last Updated: 14th March, 2012
Date Valid to: 31st December, 2011
