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Q Fever Control Measures: Recommendations for Research Facilities Using Sheep

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Kenneth W. Bernard*
Affiliation:
Viral Diseases Division, Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, Georgia
Gregory L. Parham
Affiliation:
Viral Diseases Division, Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, Georgia
William G. Winkler
Affiliation:
Viral Diseases Division, Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, Georgia
Charles G. Helmick
Affiliation:
Viral Diseases Division, Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, Georgia
*
Viral Diseases Division, Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30333

Abstract

Q fever (Query Fever) is a zoonosis caused by the rickettsia Coxiella burnetii. Domestic ungulates such as sheep, cattle, and goats serve as the reservoir of infection for humans and shed the desiccation-resistant organism in urine, feces, milk, and especially in birth products. In humans the illness is generally mild; however, Q fever hepatitis is often seen and Q fever endocarditis is an uncommon, but frequently fatal complication. Q fever long has been recognized as an occupational hazard among persons working with animals or animal products, and in laboratories working with C. burnetii. Recently, Q fever outbreaks have occurred in medical research facilities using sheep as research animals. Recommendations are presented for reducing the risk of exposure to Q fever in persons not working with sheep in research facilities that use sheep. In addition, recommendations are presented for reducing the risk of infection in persons who work with sheep in research facilities.

Type
Original Articles
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 1982

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