Description
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- Q Fever is a disease caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii and can have both acute and chronic stages.
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Location
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- Q Fever is found worldwide with a variety of species that can be infected.
- Q Fever is most commonly found in livestock, including cattle, sheep, and goats.
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Cause
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- The bacteria in Q Fever can live in milk, urine and droppings of infected animals.
- Unfortunately, this bacterium is not killed by heating and drying or by using disinfectants.
- Infection usually occurs through inhalation from the air.
- Tick bites and the consumption of raw milk and dairy products can also be causes of infection.
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Symptoms
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- Acute symptoms occur about 2–3 weeks after contact, vary from person to person, and include:
- High fever
- Headaches
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Chest pain
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Chills
- Sweats
- Chronic Q Fever occurs in a very small percentage of infected people.
- Pregnant woman and those with weak immune systems and heart problems are at a higher risk.
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Treatment
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- Antibiotics are used to treat Q Fever.
- Early diagnosis is important and if this condition is caught within a few days can usually go away within 72 hours with antibiotics.
- The antibiotics and treatments for pregnant woman are different from other Q Fever patients.
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Prevention
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- Avoid consuming raw dairy products and animals that may be infected.
- Avoid inhaling barn dust and any body fluids from potentially infected animals (birth fluids, blood, urine, saliva, etc.).
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Handling
Animals
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- Use caution if you often handle livestock and barnyard animals.
- Farmers and veterinarians can be targets for Q Fever.
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Other Facts
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- California
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Kentucky
- Missouri
- Tennessee
- Texas
are among the states that account for about half of reported Q Fever cases.
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