Q is for Q fever
March 2nd, 2008
In the ABC’s of infectious diseases, what would the letter Q stand for?
Q is for Q fever.
Q fever is caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii, which is found in animals like cattle, sheep and goats, according to the Reno Gazette-Journal. The disease is underreported, making it difficult to estimate the number of cases of Q fever in the
The MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia gave the following definition:
Q fever is an infection caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii, which can affect the lungs, liver, heart, and other parts of the body.
People who work in barnyard settings or in the animal sciences are the most common to become ill with Q fever. They become infected by breathing in airborne particles from the birth fluids or excreta of infected animals.
Some people who become ill with Q fever may not know it, because only about half of these people exhibit symptoms.
Here are some of the symptoms, according to the CDC:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Fatigue
- Chills & sweats
- Muscle pain
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Sore throat
- Confusion
For most people, the disease is not deadly. Even if untreated, most patients return to normal health in several months.
The CDC, however, believes Coxiella burnetii could be a potential bioterrorism threat. The bacterium is highly infectious and resistant to heat and drying.