What Is Q Fever?

In most cases, Q fever is an uncomplicated disease. However, some people develop severe symptoms that can even develop into hepatitis, pneumonia, endocarditis, or meningitis.

Q fever is the name given to a disease caused by a bacterium that is transmitted from animals to men. It was detected for the first time in 1935 and was given the name of Q fever because in principle it was not possible to establish what it was. The letter “Q” comes from ” query “, that is, ” in consultation “.

Upon investigation, it was discovered that the agent causing Q fever is the bacterium Coxiella burnetii . This is initially housed in domestic animals such as cows, goats, sheep and other mammals. However, in animals it does not usually cause health problems.

Although Q fever can occur at any time of the year, it has been observed to occur mainly in spring and early summer. The largest number of cases take place between April and May.

Origin of Q fever

Q fever is usually a mild illness very similar to the flu. However, there is also a deadly form of this disease that causes damage to the brain, heart, liver and lungs. Other people do not have any symptoms.

The bacterium Coxiella burnetii, the culprit of the pathology, is mainly found in the birth products of animals, that is, in the placenta and amniotic fluid. It is also in the milk, urine, and feces of infected animals.

Some people become infected even without direct contact with the animals. It is enough to inhale dust that has been contaminated by the feces, urine or birth products of infected animals. Likewise, the bacteria are transmitted through the consumption of unpasteurized milk, extracted from animals that have the bacteria.

Characteristics and symptoms

It is estimated that of every 10 people who are infected with the bacteria , only five will have symptoms. These usually appear two to three weeks after exposure to the bacteria. The most common manifestations of the disease include:

• Fever with chills and sweat.
• Headache and muscle aches.
• Nausea, vomiting and / or diarrhea.
• Fatigue.
• Chest pain and / or abdominal pain.
• Dry cough.
• Weightloss.

All of these symptoms can be mild or severe. If the infection lodges in the lungs or the liver, it can cause pneumonia or hepatitis, respectively. If a pregnant woman contracts the disease there is a risk of miscarriage.

Just under five people out of 100 develop chronic Q fever. This manifests itself months, or even years after the initial infection. It is a serious problem that can be fatal, as it generally involves the infection of one or more valves of the heart.

Risk factor’s

It is clear that the bacterium is present in some domestic animals, but its presence has also been detected in some wild animals and in ticks. So the main risk factor is direct or indirect contact with all these animals.

Obviously, those most at risk of infection are farm or slaughterhouse workers, as well as veterinarians, researchers, and food processors. Also, it has been found that l you men are more likely than women to contract the disease.

The vast majority of Q fever cases occur in people who are between the ages of 30 and 70. It is very rare for this disease to appear in children; when he does, he debuts with symptoms of pneumonia.

Other data of interest

Those who present: have a much higher risk of developing the disease in its chronic form:

• History of heart valve problems
• Blood vessel abnormalities
• Weakened immune system
• Pregnant

At the moment no vaccine against Q fever is available. Therefore, it is appropriate to take preventive measures. For the community in general it is important that you do not consume unpasteurized milk from any type of animal.

For those who must work with animals or live on farms, it is necessary to be attentive to any manifestation of this disease and go to the doctor in case they present symptoms. People who are part of the high-risk segment should not have contact with animals.