Q fever
How Q fever is spread
Q fever is caused by Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) bacteria. The animals that pose the biggest risk to humans are: sheep cows goats domesticated pets such as cats,dogs andrabbits The bacteriacan be found in an infectedanimal'smilk, blood, urine, poo, and birthby-products such as the afterbirth (placenta). Birth products pose the greatest risk, because they can contain a high number of bacteria. The bacteria can be spread to humans by: breathing in particles released by infected animals particularly when animals are being slaughtered or giving birth breathing inparticles of contaminated soil, dust, hay or straw bedding infected particles coming into contact with your eyes or a cut in your skin drinking unpasteurised milk from an infected animal being bitten by an infected tick although this is very rare and there have not beenany recorded cases of this in the UK It's also possible, although incredibly rare, for Q fever to spread between people through sexual intercourse orby a pregnant woman passingthe infection to her unborn child.
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Introduction
Q fever is a bacterial infection that can be spread to humans by infected animals most commonly sheep, cattle and goats.
How Q fever is spread
Q fever is caused by Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) bacteria. The animals that pose the biggest risk to humans are: sheep cows goats domesticated pets such as cats,dogs andrabbits The bacteria
Who's most at risk?
People who work closely with livestock are most at risk, such as: farmers stablehands abattoir workers meat packers vets You're also more vulnerable to theinfection, and more likely to experie
Signs and symptoms
Q fever doesn't always cause symptoms. If you do develop symptoms, this is usually within two to three weeks of infection. The main symptoms of Q fever include: a high temperature (fever) severe h
When to seek medical advice
You should see your GP if you develop severe or persistent symptoms of Q fever, oryou're pregnant andare worried you may have been exposed to the infection. Your GP may suspect Q fever if you have re
Treating Q fever
Q fever usually lasts for about two weeks and often gets better without treatment, although you may need to take antibiotics for 7-14 daysif your symptoms are severe or don't improve. If you are pres
Preventing Q fever
A vaccine for Q fever isnt available in the UK, so the best way to avoid theinfection is to reduce your exposure to potentially infected material. If you work with animals, you should: wash your ha
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