Q Fever

• Q Fever is a disease caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii and can have both acute and chronic stages.

• Q Fever is found worldwide with a variety of species that can be infected.
• Q Fever is most commonly found in livestock, including cattle, sheep, and goats.

• The bacteria in Q Fever can live in milk, urine and droppings of infected animals. Unfortunately, this bacterium is not killed by heating and drying or by using disinfectants.
• Infection usually occurs through inhalation from the air.
• Tick bites and the consumption of raw milk and dairy products can also be causes of infection.

Acute symptoms occur about 2–3 weeks after contact, and these symptoms include: 

• High fever
• Headaches
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea
• Chest pain
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain 
• Chills 
• Sweats

Symptoms vary from person to person. 

Chronic Q Fever occurs in a very small percentage of infected people. Pregnant woman and those with weak immune systems and heart problems are at a higher risk.

• Antibiotics are used to treat Q Fever. Early diagnosis is important and if this condition is caught within a few days can usually go away within 72 hours with antibiotics. The antibiotics and treatments for pregnant woman are different from other Q Fever patients.

• Avoid consuming raw dairy products and animals that may be infected.
• Avoid inhaling barn dust and any body fluids from potentially infected animals (birth fluids, blood, urine, saliva, etc.).

• Use caution if you often handle livestock and barnyard animals. Farmers and veterinarians can be targets for Q Fever.

• California 
• Colorado
• Illinois
• Kentucky 
• Missouri
• Tennessee
• Texas

are among the states that account for about half of reported Q Fever cases.