Residents who work with animals are being urged to get vaccinated against a bacterial disease that has been identified across the region.
During 2022 there has been an increase in confirmed cases of Q Fever in the Wide Bay, with 11 cases notified to the public health unit to date.
This compares to between three and seven cases notified by this time of year in each of the past five years.
Q Fever is caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii, carried by animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and kangaroos.
People become infected by breathing in droplets of the bacteria or dust contaminated by birth fluids, faeces or urine from infected animals.
Person to person transmission is rare.
Wide Bay Public Health Unit’s Dr Josette Chor says the increase in cases compared to historical data was possibly associated with greater numbers of wildlife, being close to residential areas.
“The bacteria that cause Q Fever can exist in a variety of domestic and wild animal species such as kangaroos and wallabies,” she says.
“It can also persist in the general environment in dust and soil, which can lead to infection and disease. Dry and windy conditions can increase the risk of transmission to humans.
“If there are obvious animal droppings, please use a P2 mask – available from hardware stores – to undertake outdoor jobs such as mowing the lawn.
“It’s also important to always wash your hands after coming into contact with all animals or their faeces, especially before eating and drinking.”
Dr Chor says people whose work exposed them to animals, animal products, and animal waste were particularly at risk of developing Q Fever.
This includes abattoir and meat workers, farmers, veterinarians, animal hunters, wildlife/zoo workers, dog/cat breeders, and other people who work in animal industries.
“Vaccination is recommended for all people who are working in, or intend to work in, a high-risk occupation,” Dr Chor says.
Symptoms of Q Fever included sudden onset of fever and chills; severe sweats; severe headache, especially behind the eyes; muscle pain; weakness and tiredness; and significant weight loss during this acute illness.
“Q Fever can be treated by antibiotics and most people make a full recovery, however in about 10 to 20 per cent of people, chronic fatigue is still present after 12 months, affecting a person’s ability to work at full capacity,” she says.
“People may also develop chronic infections that affect the heart, bones, or joints.”
Image: AAP
