Q fever
Q fever is an infection that can be transmitted to humans from both wild and domestic animals. It is usually transmitted by aerosols but there are also other routes such as consumption of contaminated food.
The incubation period is 2 to 3 weeks. People infected does not usually have symptoms, but when they do appear they are:
- high fever
- eye infection
- severe headache
- chills
- muscular pain
- respiratory tract infection
Sometimes the disease can become chronic, with symptoms such as infection of the heart valves and hepatitis, and can affect other organs of the body. Although many cases are mild, it can also be a serious illness that can lead to death.
Pregnant women can also transmit the disease to their babies, and severe disease have been detected in foetuses and newborns.
People who work with cattle or sheep are also at increased risk of being infected. These include farm workers, veterinarians and people working in slaughterhouses and meat packing industries.
Infection in humans usually occurs through contact with infected animals, especially sheep, goats and cows. The bacteria that cause the disease are present in the uterus and udders of female animals, so humans can become infected through contaminated milk or by coming into contact with the foetus or birth materials.
The disease can also be transmitted through contact with certain surfaces, such as wool, animal hair and straw.
Q fever can be treated effectively with antibiotics. Chronic Q fever is more difficult to treat and usually requires a longer course of antibiotic therapy.
The main preventive measures are to avoid direct or indirect contact with infected animals and to avoid consuming unpasteurised milk.