Q fever is also called query fever; it does Coxiella burnetii cause a bacterial infection. These bacteria are most commonly found in cattle, sheep, and goats worldwide. Typically, Humans get Q fever when they breathe in dust contaminated by infected animals.
Veterinarians, farmers, and people who work with these animals in labs are at the highest risk of being infected. This is because the highest amounts of bacteria are found in infected animals’ “birth products” (placenta, amniotic fluid, etc.).
The disease may cause mild symptoms like flu. Many people have no symptoms. In rare cases, a serious form of disease develops if the infection is chronic, which means it persists for six months (and some case reports indicate that it may persist for more than six months). So, q fever vaccinations in Toowoomba is important.
A serious form can also develop if the infection is recurrent, which means it comes back. People with weak immune systems or heart valve problems are at the highest risk of developing these types of Q fever.
Chronic Q fever is very serious as it can damage a person’s vital organs, including the following:
- heart
- brain
- liver
- lungs
Some severe or chronic forms of Q fever can be treated with antibiotics. In addition, those at risk for Q fever can prevent the disease by disinfecting contaminated areas and washing their hands thoroughly.
What are the Symptoms of Q Fever?
Symptoms of Q fever don’t appear until about 2 to 3 weeks after exposure to the bacteria. However, you may have the infection and not show any symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they are generally mild.
Symptoms can vary. Some common symptoms of mild Q fever may include:
- a high fever
- chills or sweats
- chest pain while breathing
- a cough
- a headache
- clay-coloured stools
- diarrhea
- nausea
- abdominal pain
- shortness of breath
- jaundice
- muscle pain
How can Q Fever be Prevented?
A vaccine has been successful in Australia who works in high-risk environments. However, it isn’t currently available in the United States.
If you are at high risk for Q fever and you aren’t vaccinated, you should take the following steps:
- Properly disinfect and decontaminate exposed areas.
- Restrict the airflow from barnyards and animal holding facilities.
- Wash your hands properly.
- Make sure the milk is pasteurized.
- Properly dispose of birth materials after a livestock animal has given birth.
- Quarantine infected animals.
- Test animals routinely for infection.
What is the outlook after treatment?
Antibiotics are very effective, and fatality from the disease is very uncommon. However, people with endocarditis need an early diagnosis and antibiotics for at least 18 months for a successful outcome.
Drayton Medical 