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The PHARMACIST talks about …

Q Fever

Q Fever is a bacterial disease caused by the Coxiella burnetii bacterium that causes sudden fever-adults, headache and in flammation in the lungs.

Humans can become infected with Q Fever after exposure to farm animals that are carriers of the bacteria. Sheep, cattle and goats are the main animal carriers that can infect humans, although rodents, other mammals and birds can also be carriers.

Who can get Q Fever?

People who have a high risk of contracting Q Fever are those with frequent, high-level exposure to animals, such as workers in the meat and livestock industries and veterinarians.

Animals that are carriers of the bacteria do not usually display any health problems. The Q Fever bacterium is transmitted by various body fluids from infected animals, including faeces, urine, milk and body tissues including the placenta.

The Q Fever bacteria are spread to other animals, and to people, by the inhalation of these infected animal materials or through the ingestion of unpasteurised milk. The bacteria can also be spread by contaminated straw, wool, hair and hides. The Q Fever bacteria can multiply in a female animal during the last stages of pregnancy so that the placental tissues contain very high levels of these bacteria.

Humans cannot spread the disease to other humans. The incubation period in humans following exposure to an infected animal material is 2 to 3 weeks.

The onset of signs and symptoms of Q Fever is usually sudden, with a person experiencing fever, severe headaches, chills, sweating, muscle pains and often chest pains.

The bacteria infect the lungs and can cause considerable damage and pneumonia if the disease is left untreated. Hepatitis (liver disease) and endocarditis (infection and inflammation of the heart) can also occur.

Health Management

The diagnosis of Q Fever involves a physical examination and a blood test that looks for antibodies against against the Q Fever bacterium. Antibiotic medications such as doxycycline and tetracycline are used to treat Q Fever.

Vaccines - are effective in the prevention of Q Fever and people that work in high-risk industries (e.g. farm workers, abattoir workers, dairy workers, farmers, herders, wool sorters, veterinarians etc.) are generally advised to get vaccinated against Q Fever.

Hygiene - Strict hygiene procedures should be taken when handling pregnant animals, hides, wool, straw or any other contaminated material. Steps should be taken to minimise the risks of inhalation of dust or fluid droplets and adequate disinfection and disposal measures should be taken for all potentially contaminated material.

Pasteursation of milk. Milk should be boiled or pasteurized before consumption to minimize the risks of transmission.

Ask your nearest Healthpoint Group pharmacist for advice.

Please Note: The advice on this website is to be used as an educational aid only. It is not intended to replace advice from your qualified GP or medical practitioner. Please ensure that you speak to them in relation to all of your health issues.