What Is The Disease Q Fever?

Q fever is the name of a disease that animals transmit to humans. The doctors first discovered it in 1935 and gave it the name Q fever because they could not find out what it was. The letter “Q” stands for “ query ” or “ question ”.

After some research , they found that the drug that causes Q fever is the Coxiella burnetii bacterium. This is mainly found in animals such as cows, goats, sheep and other mammals. It does not usually cause any health problems in animals.

Although Q fever can occur at any time of the year, it occurs mainly in spring and early summer. In fact, most cases occur between April and May.

The origin of Q fever

Q fever is usually a mild illness similar to the flu. However, there is a deadly variant. In fact, it can cause damage to the brain, heart, lungs and liver. Other people have no symptoms.

The Coxiella burnetii bacterium, which causes the disease, is usually found in the remains of an animal birth. In other words, it resides in the placenta and amniotic fluid. In addition, it is also found in the milk, urine and feces of infected animals.

Some people even become infected without having direct contact with animals. Only inhaling dust that has been contaminated by the faeces, urine or placenta / amniotic fluid can be contagious. In the same way, the bacteria is also found in the unpasteurized milk of these animals.

Characteristics and symptoms

It is estimated that about five out of ten people who become infected will experience symptoms. These usually appear about two to three weeks after exposure to the bacteria. The most common symptoms are:

• Fever with chills and sweating.
• Headache and muscle aches.
• Nausea, vomiting and / or diarrhea.
• Exhaustion
• Chest pain and / or abdominal pain.
• Dry cough
• Weight loss

All of these symptoms can be either mild or severe. If the infection is in the lungs or liver, it can cause  pneumonia or hepatitis, respectively. In addition, if a pregnant woman becomes infected, there is a likelihood of miscarriage.

Slightly less than 5 people out of every 100 infected develop a chronic Q fever. This may appear months or years after exposure. It is a serious problem that can be fatal since one or more heart valves are usually infected.

Risk factors for Q fever

It is clear that the bacterium is present in some domestic animals. However, it can also be found in some wild animals and in ticks. The greatest risk factor is therefore direct or indirect contact with all these animals.

Of course, the most vulnerable are people who work on a farm or a slaughterhouse. In addition, veterinarians, researchers and food producers are also exposed. Men are also more likely to suffer from this disease than women.

Most of the cases are in people between the ages of 30 and 70. In fact, it is very rare for children to experience symptoms of this disorder. When they do, there are often symptoms such as pneumonia.

Other interesting fact

People with these conditions are at greater risk of becoming chronically ill with this disease:

• A history of heart valve problems.
• Abnormalities in the blood vessels.
• Weakened immune system.
• Pregnant women.

There is no vaccine against Q fever. It is therefore important to prevent it as best you can. In general, it is important not to drink unpasteurized milk, regardless of the animal.

For those who work with animals or live on farms , it is important to pay attention if you notice that you are suffering from this disease. In addition, you should see your doctor if you notice any symptoms. People at high risk should avoid contact with animals.