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.
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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