What is Q fever and what causes it?

Q fever (Query fever) is an infectious disease that spreads from animals to humans. Q fever is caused by a microbe called Coxiella burnetii. This microbe can survive for months and even years in dust or soil. Animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats can carry the Q fever microbe in tissues involved in birth--the uterus, placenta, and birth fluids. Infected animals also release the microbe in milk and manure. People acquire the infection by inhaling infectious aerosols and contaminated dusts generated by animals or animal products. Many infections are without symptoms (asymptomatic). Common symptoms […]