What happens in Q fever?

Q fever is usually a mild disease with flu-like symptoms. Many people have no symptoms at all. In a small percentage of people, the infection can resurface years later. This more deadly form of Q fever can damage your heart, liver, brain and lungs.

Why is it called Q fever?

…an infectious disease caused by bacteria called Coxiella burnetii that affects both humans and animals. The “Q” comes from “query” fever, the name of the disease until its true cause was discovered in the 1930s. Q fever can be a mild illness or a more severe disease that can cause death.

Where is Q fever mostly found?

Q fever is a zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii, an obligate gram-negative intracellular bacterium. Most commonly reported in southern France and Australia, Q fever occurs worldwide.

Who is likely to have Q fever?

People at risk for infection include slaughterhouse workers, veterinarians, researchers, food processors, and sheep and cattle workers. Men are infected more often than women. Most people who get Q fever are between 30 and 70 years old. In rare cases, the disease affects children, especially those who live on a farm.

What is another name for Q fever?

Q fever, also called query fever, is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii. The bacteria are most commonly found in cattle, sheep, and goats around the world. Humans typically get Q fever when they breathe in dust that was contaminated by infected animals.

Who is at risk for Q fever?

Who is at risk? Anyone who has contact with animals infected with Q fever bacteria, especially people who work on farms or with animals. Examples of high-risk jobs include: Livestock farmers.

What are the long term effects of Q fever?

Some individuals with Q fever develop long-term complications (long-term sequelae) such as chronic, persistent fatigue. Some researchers believe that infection with Q fever increases an individual’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life.

Can Q fever affect humans?

Chronic Q fever is serious and can be deadly if not treated correctly. Chronic Q fever infection requires months of antibiotic treatment. Chronic Q fever is more likely to occur in people with heart valve disease, blood vessel abnormalities, or in people with weakened immune systems.