What is Q Fever?
Q fever is a disease caused by a bacterium known as Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii). It is a zoonotic disease, which means that the bacteria naturally exist in an animal host, called the natural reservoir. Cattle, sheep, and goats are the main natural reservoirs of C. burnetii, but the bacteria has been noted in a variety of other animals, including other species of livestock and domesticated pets. C. burnetii is found worldwide. It does not normally cause disease in its animal hosts, but it has been associated with miscarriage in some animals, especially livestock. Q fever does occur in people, but it is not adequately reported to health officials by doctors, making it difficult for scientists to reliably measure how many cases of Q fever have actually occurred worldwide. In the United States, Q fever outbreaks have resulted mainly from work-related exposure among veterinarians, meat processing plant workers, sheep and dairy workers, livestock farmers, and researchers at facilities th
Q fever is a highly infectious condition with symptoms similar to those of influenza. The infection can be passed from infected animals to humans, but it cannot be passed from human to human. Although Q fever is highly infectious, it is a relatively rare condition. However, once a person has contracted the infection, it can become chronic and may require several years of treatment. Common symptoms of Q fever are headaches, sweating, and a high fever. There may also be signs of weight loss and pain in the joints and muscles. Chest or abdominal pains and an irritating dry cough are also possible symptoms. Sufferers have also been known to experience sensitivity to light. After the infection has been contracted, the symptoms of Q fever appear within two to three weeks. The symptoms last from between two to fourteen days. In some cases, no symptoms are apparent in an infected person. Chronic Q fever is a very serious condition. People who suffer from heart conditions or diseases such as ca
