Q Fever Fact Sheet

Q Fever Fact Sheet
NCEZID - National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases

What is Q fever?
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Q fever is a disease in people and animals caused by the germ (bacteria) Coxiella burnetii.

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In animals, the disease is also known as coxiellosis (pronounced cox·e·el·low·sis).

What are the symptoms of Q fever in animals?
• Infected animals usually appear healthy.
• Infected, pregnant animals may experience abortions late in pregnancy.
Who is at risk?
Anyone who has contact with animals infected with Q fever bacteria, especially
people who work on farms or with animals. Examples of high-risk jobs include:
• Livestock farmers
• Slaughterhouse workers
• Veterinarians

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Animal or laboratory researchers

How is it spread?
Q fever is most commonly spread to people by infected farm animals, including
goats, cattle, and sheep.
People can get Q fever by:
• Touching feces, urine, milk, or blood from an infected animal.
• Breathing in dust that contains Q fever bacteria.
• Touching a newborn animal or birthing products (placenta, birth fluids) from an infected animal.
• Drinking raw (unpasteurized) milk.

What are the signs and symptoms of Q fever in people?
About half of people infected with Q fever bacteria will get sick with a flu-like illness. People may feel sick
2–3 weeks after contact with the bacteria.
Signs and symptoms can include:

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High fever

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Feeling tired

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Chills or sweats

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Headache

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Muscle aches

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Cough

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Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

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Chest pain
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Q Fever Fact Sheet (Continued)
What is chronic Q fever?
A very small number of people with Q fever (less than 1 out of 20) develop a more severe illness called
chronic Q fever. Chronic Q fever can result in infection of heart valves (called endocarditis). Symptoms may
not appear until months or years after exposure.
Chronic Q fever is more likely to occur in people:
• With heart valve or blood vessel disease,
• With weakened immune systems,
• Who were pregnant when they first had Q fever.

Take steps to reduce your exposure.
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There is no vaccine to prevent infection in the United States.

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Avoid contact with infected animals during birthing when possible. If you assist in animal
deliveries or have contact with birth products, protect yourself by wearing:

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Gloves

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Eye protection (e.g., goggles)

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Protective clothing (e.g., coveralls and boots)

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Masks (an N95 or higher respirator is the most
effective type of mask for protecting against
Q fever bacteria)

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Talk to your healthcare provider about whether it is
safe for you to wear a mask or respirator.

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Additional Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements may apply. Talk to
your employer.

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Shower and change your clothes and shoes after working with animals.

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Eat and drink only pasteurized milk and milk products (cheese, cream, butter).

What should I do if I am worried about Q fever?
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Contact your healthcare provider if you think you might have Q fever or if you are at risk for chronic
Q fever. If you work or have worked with farm animals, make sure to tell your healthcare provider.

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Contact your veterinarian if you think your animals might have Q fever.

For more information please visit the Q fever
website: www.cdc.gov/qfever/
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Aug 22, 2018