People are being advised to be vaccinated and use a mask when mowing since the transmission of a disease that is carried to humans by animal particles has increased.
Residents in the Wide Bay Region, which is located north of Brisbane, have been urged by Queensland Health to acquire the Q fever vaccine.
The uncommon bacterial illness is characterised by a high temperature, chills, “drenching” perspiration, severe headaches—often the most painful are behind the eyes—muscle discomfort, weakness, and exhaustion, as well as substantial weight loss.
This year, authorities have verified 11 cases of Q fever, which is twice the average transmission rate over the previous five years for this time period.
According to Chris McLoughlin, spokesperson for Wide Bay Health and Hospital Service, the illness is spread by a variety of animals, including kangaroos, cattle, sheep, and goats.
According to him, people get sick by breathing in dust or droplets of germs that have been contaminated with urine, faeces, or birth fluids from diseased animals.
More people are relocating to live outside of large cities, and it is thought that this is causing the illness to spread more quickly.
Workers in butcheries and abattoirs are most at risk for infection, but anyone who has pets or lives near wildlife should think about getting vaccinated.
When doing tasks like mowing the lawn and gardening that might stir up illness particles, residents are recommended to use a P2 face mask.
According to public health specialist Dr. Josette Chor, “it may remain in the general environment in dust and dirt, which can lead to infection and sickness.”
‘Dry and windy circumstances may enhance the danger of transmission to people.’
Q fever seldom spreads from person to person, although it is possible for pets to do so.
A course of antibiotics may be used to cure q fever, but up to 20% of patients may continue to have persistent symptoms for up to a year following the infection.
Quick facts about fever
IS Q FEVER REAL?
The bacteria Coxiella burnetii is the source of the illness known as Q fever.
Cattle, sheep, goats, and a variety of other domestic and wild animals may all transmit it to people.
Even those who do not interact with animals may get the disease.
WHAT SYMPTOMS ARE THERE?
Many infected individuals show no or little symptoms.
Those who do become sick often have a severe flu-like sickness.
About two to three weeks after coming into contact with the bacterium, symptoms usually start to appear.
the chills and a high temperature
pronounced “drenching” sweats
intense headaches, often behind the eyes, and aching muscles and joints
severe exhaustion (tiredness)
Additionally, patients might develop pneumonia or hepatitis (liver inflammation) (infection of the lungs).
If left untreated, symptoms might linger for two to six weeks.
10% of people who have acute Q fever go on to develop a chronic fatigue-like condition that may be very crippling for years.
HOW IS IT RAISING?
The Q fever bacterium that is present in the air or in the dust often infects people via their lungs.
Although domestic and wild dogs and cats, feral pigs, horses, rabbits, rats, foxes, and native Australian fauna may all transmit the bacterium to people, cattle, sheep, and goats are the primary sources of infection. Many times, infected animals show no signs.
The bacterium may be detected in extremely high concentrations in the placenta, birth fluids, blood, milk, urine, and faeces of animals that are infected with or carrying the germs.
The wind may disperse the bacterium across a distance of many kilometres while it can persist in the soil and dust for many years.
Q fever may be acquired through:
direct touch with sick animal tissue or fluids on injured skin inhaling airborne microorganisms or dust (e.g. cuts or needlestick injuries when working with infected animals)
consuming raw milk from sick sheep, goats, and cows.