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Q Fever

Q Fever is an airborne disease spread from animals to humans.

Cattle, sheep and goats are the primary carriers of the bacteria causing this infection. There is a preventative vaccine for this disease, usually recommended and often required for travellers going to work or visit rural areas with animals, abattoirs, meat plants, cattle stations etc.

 

How is Q Fever spread?

The bacteria causing Q Fever is excreted in milk, urine, faeces, amniotic fluids and placental material of infected animals. Humans are usually infected by inhaling the organisms which are resistant to heat, drying and common disinfectants.

 

What are the symptoms of Q Fever?

Signs and symptoms depend on circumstances around how a person has been infected. Signs and symptoms can include:

  • Abrupt fever
  • Chills
  • Sweating
  • Severe headaches
  • Malaise and fatigue
  • Muscle and joint aches
  • Sore throat, cough and chest pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Weight loss

As many of these symptoms are typical of other infections, Q Fever is often misdiagnosed.

 

Who is at risk?

Travellers going to work or visit rural areas with animals, abattoirs, meat plants, cattle stations etc. Those working with animal specimens.

 

How to avoid Q Fever

Pre-exposure vaccination successfully protects humans in occupational settings. This is a specialised vaccine which Worldwise Travellers Health can administer. There is a process to getting this vaccines involving skin and blood tests. Please contact us for more information.

 

Further information about Q Fever

Please note that the recommendations given are general guidelines as to what may be required for a trip to these countries. However, they really do depend on many factors of your travel itinerary and medical history. All travellers are strongly advised to make an appointment to see a WORLDWISE Travel Doctor for up to date advice (including a vaccination plan and anti-malaria recommendations) tailored specifically to your upcoming trip.

Remember, our Travel Health Specialists are travellers too and have probably been to the region that you are going to. They appreciate the importance of enjoying a problem-free trip and of staying healthy abroad.

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Countries at risk of Q Fever

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