Q fever is an infectious disease commonly found in animals, including cattle, sheep, and goats. The condition is transmitted from animals to humans. In rare cases, Q fever can transfer from one person to another.
At Drayton Medical, we believe that Q fever treatment is challenging which needs supervised care and proper medical intervention. To prevent getting infected, make sure that you are familiar with the facts associated with Q fever.
Where does the name of the disease come from?
Q fever was first recognised in 1930. However, the cause was unknown. The “Q” stands for the word “query”. After that, in 1937, researchers have discovered the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, responsible for the infection.
How does the disease spread?
In the excretory products of animals such as urine or feces, the bacterium Coxiella burnetii is found. Besides, it can be found in the milk of infected animals. The primary source of transmission is from contact with the placenta from infected animals. Exposure to the bacterium can cause the disease. The bacterium can be ingested or inhaled. It can live for weeks in the environment.
Does pasteurisation prevent the transmission of the disease?
Drinking unpasteurised milk can cause Q fever. Pasteurisation helps prevent the disease from spreading because it kills the bacterium.
What are the common symptoms of the disease?
Believe it or not, often, patients infected with the bacterium show no symptoms whatsoever. However, when the acute Q fever causes symptoms, it can vary from person to person. Patients will suddenly develop symptoms including:
● Flu
● High fever
● Malaise
● Headache
● Fatigue
● Abdominal pain
● Chest pain
● Nausea
● Chills
● Joint aches
Chronic Q fever often causes inflammation of the valves inside the heart. The symptoms may include night sweats, edema, shortness of breath, rash and muscle & joint pains.
How do doctors diagnose Q fever?
The diagnosis of the disease is often difficult as the symptoms are very similar to other illnesses. However, people with risk factors or who live in a place where the disease is common can be diagnosed with acute Q fever.
Physicians collect the blood samples and send them for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing. This can detect the symptoms earlier than other tests. Therefore, patients who have been tested positive for acute infection are recommended to have follow-up testing done for at least two years to check the development of the chronic illness.
Is the disease contagious?
Q fever is a highly contagious disease and can quickly spread from infected animals to humans. Isolation of an infected human is a must to prevent the spread of the disease. The bacterium causing Q fever can be spread from the urine, feces or placenta of infected animals. It can survive for weeks in the outside environment.
Is Q fever life-threatening?
The acute Q fever is rarely a threat. However, the chronic form is dangerous. With timely treatment, one can prevent death. Book an appointment today with Drayton Medical to have yourself tested.