Q fever is a rare disease in which the pathogen originates in animals and is transmitted to humans. After several proven cases in northern Germany, the question arises: How dangerous is the pathogen?
The so-called Q fever has been detected in several people from the Lüneburg district. The disease is caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. It primarily affects cows, sheep and goats, but can also be transmitted via dogs, cats or ticks. In the majority of animals, an infection goes hand in hand with no symptoms and is therefore not recognized by owners. However, it can also lead to abortions or stillbirths in pregnant animals.
People become infected with the Q fever pathogen by inhaling droplets or dust containing bacteria. The pathogen can survive in the dust for years. Direct contact with animals is not decisive for the route of infection. Transmission from person to person is possible, but has so far only been proven very rarely.
"Q fever small-scale epidemics occur primarily in rural areas or on the outskirts of cities. Due to the possibility of transmission by air over long distances, outbreaks in animal populations can also endanger the population in the area," writes the Robert Koch Institute for this.
The infection leads to no or only very mild symptoms in around half of those infected. The other half may experience flu-like symptoms such as a rapid fever, headache and muscle aches, chills, a dry cough and loss of appetite. The slight fever lasts 7 to 14 days in those who are ill.
A Q fever infection can lead to serious secondary diseases and even life-threatening conditions, especially for people with a weakened immune system or those who have a pre-existing condition, as well as for pregnant women. Around ten percent of those diagnosed get pneumonia or liver inflammation. In rare cases, meningitis occurs. Infection with Coxiella burnetii is also dangerous for pregnant women. It can cause them to lose the unborn child. Long-term consequences after surviving the infection are also possible.
If the doctor treating you suspects Q fever, the detection of antibodies in a blood test can lead to the diagnosis. Those who are proven to be infected are then prescribed a specific antibiotic. If Q fever breaks out in an animal herd, the animals can be vaccinated prophylactically. However, there is currently no approved vaccine for humans.
Almost a dozen infections have been recorded in Amt Neuhaus in Lower Saxony, writes ndr.de. "Some are knowingly ill, others may not have any symptoms," said district spokeswoman Marion Junker. "It's a disease that's coming up from the south as part of climate change."
In view of the situation, the district wants to inform doctors and all other citizens about how they can protect themselves and, if necessary, be treated. The municipality has planned an information event in the guest house in Amt Neuhaus on March 8th at 5 p.m.
(This article was first published on Tuesday, February 28, 2023.)
