Q Fever
Also known as Query fever, Coxiella burnetii infection
This article is general health information for the selected condition. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace clinical judgement. If you have questions or need treatment advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
What is q fever?
Q fever is caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, usually caught by inhaling dust contaminated by birth fluids, urine or faeces of infected cattle, sheep and goats. Around half of infected people have no symptoms. A minority develop chronic infection months or years later, which can involve the heart valves and is far more serious.
Causes
- Coxiella burnetii bacteria
- Inhalation of contaminated aerosols and dust
- Contact with birth products of infected animals
- Unpasteurised milk in a small number of cases
- Organism highly resistant in the environment
Symptoms
- High fever and chills
- Severe headache, often behind the eyes
- Muscle aches and fatigue
- Dry cough
- Sweats
- Nausea and abdominal pain
- Pneumonia or hepatitis in some cases
Risk factors
- Farming and livestock work
- Veterinary practice
- Abattoir and meat processing work
- Living downwind of livestock premises
- Existing heart valve disease for chronic infection
- Pregnancy and immunosuppression
Diagnosis
- Serology with phase I and phase II antibodies
- Paired samples several weeks apart
- PCR testing in early acute infection
- Echocardiogram if chronic infection is suspected
- Liver function tests and chest X-ray
Treatment
- Doxycycline for two weeks in acute infection
- Prolonged combination therapy for chronic infection, often 18 months or more
- Doxycycline with hydroxychloroquine for endocarditis
- Long term serological follow up
- Occupational hygiene measures for prevention
Self care
- Complete the full doxycycline course
- Rest and maintain fluid intake during acute illness
- Avoid alcohol while unwell
- Use sun protection, since doxycycline increases photosensitivity
- Attend follow up serology as arranged
- Follow occupational hygiene measures at work
When to see a doctor
Book an appointment if:
- Persistent fever after outdoor or livestock exposure
- Fatigue continuing weeks after acute infection
- Known heart valve disease with a febrile illness
- Pregnancy with suspected exposure
- Night sweats or weight loss months later
- Follow up blood tests showing rising antibody levels
Some symptoms need emergency care rather than an appointment. See the warning signs listed above.
Prevention
- Use respiratory protection around livestock birthing
- Avoid contact with birth products of sheep, goats and cattle
- Do not consume unpasteurised milk
- Keep pregnant women away from lambing
- Follow occupational health guidance in farming and veterinary work
Outlook
Acute Q fever usually resolves within a couple of weeks, often without treatment, though antibiotics shorten illness. A small proportion develop chronic infection months or years later, most seriously endocarditis, which requires prolonged combination therapy and carries significant risk. People with valve disease are followed closely after acute infection for this reason.
Common questions
How do people usually catch Q fever?
Most often by breathing in contaminated dust near livestock, particularly around lambing or calving. Direct animal contact is not required, and the bacteria can travel on the wind.
What makes chronic Q fever dangerous?
It can settle on heart valves or blood vessel grafts, causing endocarditis that is difficult to treat and potentially fatal. People with valve disease who develop acute Q fever need careful follow up.
Is it spread between people?
Person to person transmission is very rare. The risk comes from environmental and animal exposure rather than from contact with an infected person.
References
Important: Dard AI is not a medical device and does not diagnose, treat, or replace clinician judgement. This article is general information only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about diagnosis and treatment, and seek emergency care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.