Biological Weapon - Q Fever

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What It Is

The endemic form of Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by a rickettsia, Coxiella burnetii. Its natural reservoirs are sheep, cattle and goats, and grows to especially high concentrations in placental tissues. Exposure to infected animals at parturition is an important risk factor for endemic disease. The organisms are also excreted in animal milk, urine, and feces. Humans acquire the disease by inhalation of aerosols contaminated with the organisms. Farmers and abattoir workers are at greatest risk occupationally. A biological warfare attack with Q fever would cause a disease similar to that occurring naturally. Q fever is also a significant hazard in laboratory personnel who are working with the organism.

What It Does

Fever, cough, and pleuritic chest pain may occur as early as ten days after exposure. Patients are not generally critically ill, and the illness lasts from 2 days to 2 weeks.

Be Prepared

Treatment with tetracycline during the incubation period may delay but not prevent the onset of symptoms. An inactivated whole cell IND vaccine is effective in eliciting protection against exposure, but severe local reactions to this vaccine may be seen in those who already possess immunity.

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