Overview
Q fever is an infection caught from farm animals such as cattle, sheep and goats, usually by breathing in dust contaminated with the bacteria. Many people have no symptoms, while others get a flu-like illness with high fever and headache that settles over a couple of weeks. It is treated with antibiotics, and in a small number of people it can affect the liver, lungs or heart, so it should not be ignored.
Symptoms
- High fever and chills
- Severe headache
- Muscle aches and tiredness
- Dry cough and chest discomfort
- Sweats and loss of appetite
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for an unexplained high fever, especially with animal contact, so antibiotics can be started.
Causes
Infection with Coxiella burnetii bacteria, breathed in from dust or fluids of infected farm animals. Farm and abattoir workers are most at risk.