Q fever [L, febris] , an acute febrile illness, usually respiratory, caused by the rickettsia Coxiella burnetii (Rickettsia burnetii). The disease is spread through contact with infected domestic animals, by inhaling the rickettsiae from their hides or drinking their contaminated milk, or by being bitten by a tick harboring the organism. Illness is especially common among those who work with sheep, goats, and cattle. The organism can survive for long periods in the environment as it is resistant to heat and drying. Compare scrub typhus. See also Australian Q fever, typhus. ▪ OBSERVATIONS: Onset is abrupt, and high fever may persist for 3 weeks or more. Symptoms are variable and may include a severe headache, nonproductive cough, diarrhea, abdominal pain and chest pain. ▪ INTERVENTIONS: Treatment with tetracycline is usually effective in 36 to 48 hours. ▪ PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS: People who are regularly exposed to domestic animals can be vaccinated against Q fever; however, the vaccine is not commercially available in the United States. A single airborne organism can infect a susceptible individual. Q fever has a history of use in biological warfare and is considered a potential terrorist threat.
