Q fever

Q fever is an infection that produces flu-like symptoms in humans but shows little or no symptoms in animals. It is most commonly transmitted by inhaling infected dust and contaminated droplets containing the bacterium – Coxiella burnetii. The bacterium is highly contagious within herds of domestic cattle, sheep, goats and wild pigs.

The bacterium is found in infected animals urine, faeces, birth fluids, the placenta of a foetus or newly born as well in uterine discharges following birth. These materials will contain high concentrations of the bacterium.

The organism is highly contagious within domestic herds and will spread quickly through stock. Once a herd is infected it will almost invariably spread to neighbouring stock, native and feral animals and sometimes domestic cats and dogs. Once a herd is infected, it normally remains infected.

Direct or indirect inhalation of the bacterium is the most common mechanism of human infection. However, the human infection can also occur via skin abrasions and splashes of infected material into the eye. The consumption of unpasteurised milk from infected cows and goats has accounted for small numbers of Q fever cases.

The Coxiella Bumetii bacterium is resistant to heat, drying and many common disinfectants, allowing it to survive for long periods in the environment. Infection can also be transmitted by direct contact with objects (boots, clothing) and ingestion (for example eating after you’ve handled animals and not washing your hands).

Usually, Q fever is an occupational disease of meat workers, farmers and veterinarians. People who hunt and slaughter wild goats and pigs are also at risk.

Signs and symptoms of the disease include:

fever, which may last for up to 4 weeks
severe headache
sweats and chills
fatigue – and prolonged fatigue (post Q fever fatigue syndrome) may follow infection
muscle aches
confusion
sore throat
dry cough
chest pain on breathing
nausea, vomiting
diarrhoea
abdominal pain

Diagnosis of Q fever is made via a series of blood tests. Effective treatment includes antibiotic therapy. With early diagnosis, treatment is simple and a good outcome can be expected.

The use of personal protective equipment (gloves, P2 dust mask and waterproof overall) will minimise your risk of exposure to infected body materials or inhalation of infected particles in the air. The most effective prevention strategy is immunisation against the disease. This is achieved through vaccination of the Q fever vaccine (Q –vax) which can be given to — at-risk people who are aged 15 years and over.

The steps towards identifying, developing and registering Q fever immunity include:

Initial – blood and a skin test. This is recommended to ascertain if the individual has previously been exposed to Q fever – either naturally or by previous vaccination. In many cases, people have been unknowingly infected previously with a mild strain of the disease, which was not confirmed by a doctor as Q fever.

Interpretations – blood test and skin test. If interpretation confirms as – previously being infected with the disease, vaccination is unnecessary.

Implementation – Q –vax vaccination (if no immunity identified). Once vaccinated, the vaccine will be recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). People with an existing record with the Q fever Register can access their information at https://www.qfever.org/ to download your existing eStatement and have the details reported to the Australian Immunisation Regsiter by a recognised vaccination provider.

Contact your local GP or listed Q fever provider for testing and vaccination services CLICK HERE

Find out more information on Q fever visit Better Health Channel

Fast facts:

Q fever is spread to humans from cattle, sheep, goats and wild pigs.
People can become infected when splashed with infected body fluids or by breathing infected dust.
Q fever causes flu like symptoms and can be dangerous for people with heart problems.
Wear protective clothing and consider vaccination if you are at risk of infection.