Q fever, Total in Missouri

• Acute Q Fever: Fever, severe headache, muscle aches, fatigue, chills, cough (potentially pneumonia), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, liver inflammation (hepatitis).
• Chronic Q Fever (less common): Can develop months to years later, often manifesting as endocarditis (heart valve infection), chronic hepatitis, or bone infections, particularly in those with pre-existing conditions.

The primary route of transmission to humans is the inhalation of aerosolized bacteria, which are shed in high concentrations by infected animals, especially during birthing. These aerosols can come from contaminated dust, urine, feces, milk, and birth products. Less common routes include consumption of unpasteurized dairy and rarely, tick bites.

• Avoid contact with birth products and bodily fluids of potentially infected livestock.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with animals or in high-risk environments (e.g., abattoirs).
• Pasteurize milk and dairy products.
• Vaccine (Q-VAX) is available in some countries for at-risk occupational groups.