What Is Q Fever?

Q fever is the name of a disease that is passed on from animals to humans . Doctors first discovered it in 1935 and called it ” Q fever ” because they couldn’t understand what the condition was. The letter “Q” comes from the English word “ query “ or “ question “ .

Upon examination, specialists found that the factor that causes Q fever is the bacteria Coviella burnetii. It generally lives in domestic animals such as cows, goats, sheep and other mammals. Usually it does not cause animal health problems.

Although Q fever can occur at any time of the year, it occurs mainly in spring and early summer. Most cases occur between April and May.

Q fever – origins

Q fever is usually a mild illness that is very similar to the flu. However, there is also a fatal form of this condition. It can damage the brain, heart, liver and lungs. In some cases, however, it may not have any symptoms.

The bacterium Coxiella burnetii that causes this disease is usually found in the body fluids associated with labor in animals. In other words, it can be found in the placenta and in the amniotic fluid. In addition, it is also found in the milk, urine, and feces of infected animals.

Some people become infected even without direct contact with animals. Inhalation of dust that has been contaminated with faeces, urine or body fluids of infected animals can be just as dangerous. Likewise, bacteria are also found in the unpasteurized milk of these animals.

Characteristics and symptoms

About every 100 people infected with the bacterium, only 5 will have symptoms. They usually appear about two to three weeks after exposure to the bacteria. The most common symptoms are:

• Fever with chills and sweating
• Headaches and muscle aches
• Nausea, vomiting and / or diarrhea
• Tiredness,
• Chest pain and / or stomach pain
• Dry cough ,
• Weight loss.

All of these symptoms can be mild or severe. If the infection occurs in the lungs or liver, it can cause pneumonia or hepatitis, respectively. In addition, if the infected person is a pregnant woman, there is a risk of miscarriage.

Only 5 in a hundred people can develop chronic Q fever. It can appear months or even years after the initial infection. This is a serious problem that can be fatal as one or more heart valves are usually infected.

Risk factors for fever Q

It is clear that this bacterium is also found in some pets. It can also occur in wild animals and ticks. Therefore, the main risk factor is direct or indirect contact with animals.

Of course, those at greatest risk of infection are farm and slaughterhouse workers. In addition, veterinarians, scientists and food processors are also at risk. Interestingly, men get the disease more often than women.

The vast majority of cases of Q fever are between the ages of 30 and 70. Children very rarely get this condition. When this happens, the disease has symptoms of pneumonia.

Other interesting facts

People with the following conditions are more likely to develop the chronic form of Q fever:

• History of heart valve problems,
• Abnormalities in blood vessels,
• A weakened immune system ,
• Pregnant women.

There is currently no vaccine against Q fever. It is therefore important that you prevent this disease as best you can. In general, it is essential not to drink unpasteurized milk from any animal.

For those who work with animals or live on farms – please pay attention if you notice symptoms of this disease. See a doctor as soon as you notice any suspicious symptoms. High-risk individuals should not come into contact with animals.