Q fever is a bacterial infection caused by the coxiella burnetii bacteria. It causes flu-like symptoms such as a high temperature, muscle pain and headaches. Read more about the symptoms of Q fever.
In most people, the symptoms of Q fever will get better without treatment within two weeks. Antibiotics may be recommended if your symptoms are severe or do not improve. A less common, long-term form of Q fever requires antibiotics for several years. Read more about treating Q fever.
The ‘Q’ in Q fever stands for ‘query’. This is because when the infection was first indentified, its cause was unknown. The cause is now understood but the name has remained the same.
Catching Q fever
Q fever is spread to humans from animals, most commonly livestock such as sheep, goats and cattle. Very rarely, it can spread directly from human to human, usually during sexual intercourse. Read more about the causes of Q fever.
In England, people who are most at risk of getting Q fever are those whose occupation brings them into close contact with livestock, including:
- farmers
- stablehands
- abattoir workers
- meat packers
- veterinarians
In the UK, around 50 cases of Q fever are reported every year. However, the actual figure may be much higher because Q fever often causes only mild symptoms that can be mistaken for flu.
Q fever is more common during the lambing season (around January to April), but can occur at any time of year. It is also more common in agricultural areas.
Types of Q fever
There are two main types of Q fever:
- the most common and least serious type is called acute Q fever
- the less common but more serious type is called chronic Q fever
Acute Q fever
Acute means short-term. Acute Q fever causes flu-like symptoms that last for a couple of weeks. Less commonly, acute Q fever can cause mild pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs), and mild hepatitis (inflammation of the liver).
Chronic Q fever
Chronic means long-term. In some cases, the symptoms of Q fever can last for six months or longer. This is called chronic Q fever. People with chronic Q fever will need to take antibiotics for at least three years to prevent the infection from reoccurring.
It is also possible for chronic Q fever to cause inflammation of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis). Endocarditis is potentially very serious. Left untreated, it can affect the normal workings of the heart and lead to heart failure. With treatment, it is estimated that less than 1 in 10 people with endocarditis caused by Q fever will die.
Your questions on Q fever answered
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