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How serious?
Risk of death
Yes
Vaccine available?
Time to symptoms
Countries affected
Active outbreaks
Risk exists for travelers visiting agricultural areas with livestock. Avoid contact with animal birthing products and unpasteurized dairy. Q-Vax vaccine available in Australia for occupational groups.
Highly infectious zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, transmitted via contaminated aerosols from livestock, presenting as fever, pneumonia, or hepatitis.
Q fever is a highly infectious zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. It is transmitted primarily through inhalation of contaminated aerosols from infected livestock (cattle, sheep, goats) and can present as acute febrile illness or develop into chronic infection.
Q fever is caused by the obligate intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii, one of the most infectious organisms known — a single bacterium can cause disease in humans. Transmission occurs primarily by inhaling contaminated aerosols from infected animal birthing products, milk, urine, or feces.\n\nMost acute infections are self-limiting febrile illnesses, but Q fever can also cause atypical pneumonia and hepatitis. A small percentage of cases progress to chronic Q fever, most commonly presenting as endocarditis (heart valve infection). A vaccine (Q-Vax) is available in Australia for occupational risk groups.
Most common signs and symptoms
Acute Q fever (most common): Sudden onset of high fever (up to 40°C), severe headache, muscle pain, extreme fatigue, and dry cough. Atypical pneumonia occurs in 30–50% of symptomatic cases. Hepatitis (liver inflammation) develops in approximately 40%. Many infections are asymptomatic or mild.\n\nChronic Q fever: Develops in 1–5% of acute cases, primarily as endocarditis. Also manifests as chronic hepatitis, osteomyelitis, or vascular graft infection. May appear months to years after acute infection.
Knowing the symptoms is the first step to a quick response.
Incubation period is typically 2–3 weeks (range 2–48 days). Acute illness lasts 1–3 weeks and is self-limiting in most cases. Chronic Q fever may develop 1–6 months after acute infection, particularly in individuals with pre-existing heart valve disease, vascular grafts, or immunosuppression.
How this disease is identified
Serology (immunofluorescence assay) is the reference method — demonstrating seroconversion or a significant rise in antibody titers. Differentiation between acute (Phase II antibodies predominant) and chronic (high Phase I antibody titers) forms is important. PCR on blood during the acute phase can provide early diagnosis. Culture is possible but requires biosafety level 3 facilities.
Available treatment methods
Acute Q fever is treated with antibiotics (typically doxycycline) for 14 days, most effective when started within the first 3 days of symptoms. Chronic Q fever (endocarditis) requires prolonged combination antibiotic therapy for at least 18 months with regular monitoring. Treatment decisions should be made by a physician familiar with Q fever management. Most people with acute Q fever recover fully without treatment, but antibiotics shorten illness duration.
Most cases are effectively treated with early diagnosis.
How to protect yourself
Preparation is the best protection.
Statistics and geographic data
Q fever occurs worldwide wherever livestock are raised. It is endemic in Mediterranean countries, the Middle East, and Australia. Notable outbreaks include the large Netherlands epidemic of 2007–2010 with over 4,000 confirmed cases. Occupational risk is highest for farmers, veterinarians, and abattoir workers. Seasonal peaks coincide with livestock birthing seasons.
Who is most at risk
Potential complications
Post-Q fever fatigue syndrome affects approximately 20% of acute cases and can persist for months. Chronic endocarditis develops in 1–5% of acute Q fever cases and is the most serious complication. Other complications include hepatic granulomas, pregnancy complications (miscarriage, premature delivery, low birth weight), osteomyelitis, and vascular graft infection. Individuals with pre-existing valve disease are at highest risk for chronic complications.
Expected outcomes and recovery
Acute Q fever has less than 2% mortality and most patients recover fully within 2–3 weeks. Post-Q fever fatigue syndrome develops in approximately 20% of cases and can persist for months. Chronic Q fever (endocarditis) is serious with up to 25% mortality without treatment, but outcomes are manageable with prolonged antibiotic therapy and monitoring.
This disease is vaccine-preventable. Effective protection is available through vaccination.
Talk to a travel health specialist about the recommended schedule before your trip.
Find a vaccination clinic →The content on this page is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. If you have health concerns, consult a qualified healthcare professional. Medova is not a medical service provider.
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