Q fever
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 headaches
- muscle and joint pain
- sweats
- a sore throat
- weight loss
In some cases, the infection can also cause problems such as pneumonia . Symptoms can includea dry cough and a sharp chest pain made worse by breathing deeply, coughing or laughing.
These problems usually pass within two weeks and most people will make a full recovery.
Occasionally, however, symptoms of Q fever last six months or more. This is known as chronic Q fever, and it can cause you to feel tired and generally unwell for a long time. In rare cases, it can lead toa serious problem where the inner lining of the heart becomes inflamed ( endocarditis ).
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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