Q Fever

• Q Fever is a disease caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii and can have both acute and chronic stages.
  
   

• 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.
  
   

• 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.
  
   

• 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.
  
   

• 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.
  
   

• 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.).
  
   

• Use caution if you often handle livestock and barnyard animals.
• Farmers and veterinarians can be targets for Q Fever.
  
   

• California
• Colorado
• Illinois
• Kentucky
• Missouri
• Tennessee
• Texas

are among the states that account for about half of reported Q Fever cases.