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Q fever - early




Q fever is caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii, which live in domestic animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, birds, and cats. Some wild animals and ticks also carry the bacteria.

You can get Q fever by drinking raw (unpasteurized) milk, or after breathing in dust or droplets in the air that are contaminated with infected animal feces, blood, or birth products.

Symptoms usually develop 2 to 3 weeks after coming in contact with the bacteria. This time is called the incubation period. Most people have no symptoms. Others may have moderately severe symptoms similar to the flu. If symptoms occur, they may last for several weeks.

People at risk for infection include slaughterhouse workers, veterinarians, researchers, food processors, and sheep and cattle workers. Men are infected more often than women. Most people who get Q fever are between 30 and 70 years old.

This disease is occasionally seen in children, especially those who live on a farm. In infected children younger than 3 years old, Q fever is usually discovered while looking for the cause of pneumonia.


Common symptoms include:

Other symptoms that may develop include:

Exams and Tests

A physical examination may reveal abnormal sounds (crackles) in the lungs or an enlarged liver and spleen. In the late stages of the disease, a heart murmur may be heard.

Tests that may be done include:

  • A chest x-ray to detect pneumonia or other changes
  • Blood tests to check for antibodies to Coxiella burnetti
  • Liver function test
  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Tissue staining of infected tissues to identify the bacteria
  • Electrocardiogram or echocardiogram to look at the heart


Treatment with antibiotics can shorten the length of the illness. Antibiotics that are commonly used include tetracycline and doxycycline. Pregnant women or children who still have any baby teeth should not take tetracycline by mouth because it can permanently discolor growing teeth.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Most people get better with treatment. However, complications can be very serious and sometimes even life threatening. Q fever should always be treated if it caused the symptoms.

Possible Complications

Rarely, Q fever causes a heart infection that can lead to severe symptoms or even death if untreated. Other complications can include:

When to Contact a Medical Professional







Review Date: 8/31/2014