Q fever
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 hands thoroughly and regularly
- clean new wounds immediately and cover any existing wounds
- wear appropriate protective clothing, such as waterproof gloves and goggles
- avoid eating in potentially contaminated areas
- ensureall animal birth products are disposed of properly
You can also reduce your risk of getting Q fever byavoiding unpasteurised milk and dairy products, and by not touching anything that may have been in contact with animal blood, poo or urine.
Pregnant women should avoidcontact with sheep and lambs during lambing season (January to April) in particular, and should avoid handling clothing, boots and other items that have come into contact with ewes or lambs.
Further information:
- Why should pregnant women avoid sheep during the lambing season?
- What infections can animals pass to people?
- How can I avoid catching an infection from an animal?
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
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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