Topic: Q Fever
Description
Q fever is an infection caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii and has an incubation period of two to three weeks. The disease is contracted from animals. The main carriers of the disease are farm animals such as cattle, sheep and goats, but also include kangaroos, wild pigs, camels, llamas, alpacas, rodents and cats. Humans become infected through direct contact and/or inhalation of aerosols with animal fluids such as blood, faeces, unpasteurised milk and birthing fluids eg. amniotic fluid, which the bateria are highly concentrated. The bacteria can survive harsh conditions and remain in the environment for long periods of time which makes hay, dust and other small particles previously exposed to the bacteria potentially infectious.
Symptoms
While Q fever has no typical symptoms, symptoms associated with acute disease include flu-like illness with fever, headache, muscle aches and pains, extreme fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms can persist for between two to six weeks, however up to 20% of cases have symptoms of fatigue lasting for many years.
Sometimes, the infection can cause chronic disease which can affect the heart (bacterial endocarditis), lungs (pneumonia), liver (granulomatous hepatitis) and/or brain (encephalitis). Chronic disease affecting the heart or liver can last for many years. Individuals with pre-disposing heart conditions are particularly at risk of further heart complications from Q fever endocarditis. However the most common form of chronic Q fever disease is Post Q fever Fatigue Syndrome. This chronic fatigue-like illness can persist for many years, and can affect an individual’s ability to work at full capacity.
Treatment
A person with Q fever is usually admitted to hospital and treated with appropriate antibiotics.
Prevention
Educating at-risk individuals is the first step towards preventing the disease. Minimising exposure to at-risk materials or animals, disinfection of premises and appropriate disposal of potentially infected materials reduces the opportunities for infection. Ensuring respiratory protection is used, cleaning contaminated clothing, washing hands and other body parts thoroughly after coming in contact with fluids or dusts all aid in the prevention of infection.
Pasteurising milk inactivates the bacteria.
There is a vaccine available for Q fever which was developed in Australia. Individuals who are regularly occupationally or recreationally exposed to potentially infectious animals and/or materials should seek information on vaccination from their local public health unit or local GP.
Help and Assistance
For further information, please contact your local doctor, community health centre or public health unit.
Other Resources
There is an Australian Q fever register which includes information on the disease and vaccination.
Related Content
Further information can be obtained from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing website
Q Fever and immunisation fact sheet
Last Updated: 12th October, 2009
Date Valid to: 30th June, 2010
