By Renova Hospitals
January 09, 2026
Understanding Q Fever: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Overview
Q Fever is a rare but serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii (causative organism of Q Fever). Although most commonly linked to farm animals like sheep, goats, and cattle, it can be contracted by humans through inhaling dust or coming into contact with animal products contaminated with the bacteria.
While many people recover from acute Q Fever with proper treatment, chronic Q Fever can develop and lead to severe complications affecting the heart, blood vessels, bones, and other organs.
While many people recover from acute Q Fever with proper treatment, chronic Q Fever can develop and lead to severe complications affecting the heart, blood vessels, bones, and other organs.
At Renova Hospitals, we aim to provide comprehensive care and understanding about Q Fever to help patients manage, prevent, and seek timely medical attention for this potentially life-threatening condition. This blog will guide you through the Q Fever symptoms, causes, diagnosis, management, and prevention strategies for Q Fever.
What is Q Fever?
Q Fever is an infectious disease primarily caused by Coxiella burnetii (causative organism of Q Fever). This bacterium can be found in the bodily fluids of infected animals, such as urine, milk, and birth products like amniotic fluid. The bacteria can also survive in dust, allowing them to spread through the air, where humans may inhale them.
The term “Q Fever” comes from the word "query," which reflects the uncertainty surrounding the disease’s origin when it was first identified in the 1930s in Australia. At that time, doctors had many questions about the cause of the fever, leading to the name "query fever."
Acute vs. Chronic Q Fever
While acute Q Fever is a flu-like illness that can often be managed with antibiotics, chronic Q Fever is much more severe and can cause permanent damage to vital organs, especially the heart.
Chronic Q Fever typically develops in people who have had a previous Coxiella burnetii infection and can occur months or even years after the initial infection. If left untreated, chronic Q Fever can lead to life-threatening conditions, including heart valve damage (endocarditis), aneurysms, and liver issues.
Chronic Q Fever typically develops in people who have had a previous Coxiella burnetii infection and can occur months or even years after the initial infection. If left untreated, chronic Q Fever can lead to life-threatening conditions, including heart valve damage (endocarditis), aneurysms, and liver issues.
Symptoms of Acute Q Fever
Acute Q Fever symptoms are often flu-like and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms typically appear within 3 to 30 days after exposure to contaminated dust, animal products, or fluids. These Q Fever symptoms may include:
- Fever: A high fever often appears suddenly.
- Chills and Sweats: Intense chills and sweating are common during the acute phase.
- Muscle Aches: Body aches and fatigue that resemble flu symptoms.
- Headaches: Severe, often debilitating headaches.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Gastrointestinal issues like nausea and vomiting.
- Cough and Chest Pain: Respiratory symptoms, including cough and chest pain, may appear.
- Stomach Pain and Diarrhea: Digestive issues, such as abdominal discomfort and diarrhea, may also occur.
In some cases, acute Q Fever can also lead to more severe complications like pneumonia, meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord), and hepatitis (liver inflammation).
Symptoms of Q Fever Fatigue Syndrome (QFS)
Approximately 20% of people who contract Q Fever will experience Q Fever fatigue syndrome (QFS). This condition is characterised by prolonged symptoms that last for months or even years after the acute phase of the illness. Common symptoms of QFS include:
- Extreme Fatigue: A persistent feeling of tiredness that does not improve with rest.
- Joint Pain: Discomfort or stiffness in the joints.
- Muscle Aches: Ongoing muscle pain or weakness.
- Headaches: Chronic headaches that can be debilitating.
Symptoms of Chronic Q Fever
Chronic Q Fever typically develops months or years after the initial infection, even if there were no symptoms during the acute phase. It often affects the heart, especially the heart valves, and can cause a condition known as endocarditis. Other symptoms of chronic Q Fever include:
- Low-grade Fever: A persistent low fever that does not go away.
- Night Sweats: Heavy sweating during sleep, often soaking clothes and sheets.
- Fatigue: Ongoing fatigue similar to that seen in QFS.
- Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling winded during regular activities.
- Leg or Foot Swelling: Fluid retention causing swelling in the lower limbs.
- Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss or a decrease in appetite.
How is Q Fever Spread?
Q Fever is primarily transmitted to humans through inhalation of dust or aerosolised particles contaminated with Coxiella burnetii. This dust can come from the bodily fluids of infected animals, such as urine, faeces, milk, and birthing fluids. People living or working on farms, particularly those handling animals or their products, are at higher risk of contracting Q Fever.
Although inhalation is the most common route of transmission, other less common routes include:
- Eating or Drinking Unpasteurized Dairy Products: Consuming raw milk, cheese, or ice cream from infected animals.
- Tick Bites: Though rare, certain species of ticks can carry and transmit C. burnetii.
- Blood Transfusions: Rare cases of transmission through contaminated blood products.
- Pregnancy: A pregnant woman with Q Fever can pass the infection to her child during pregnancy or childbirth.
Is Q Fever Contagious?
Q Fever is not typically contagious from person to person. However, rare instances of transmission from mother to child during pregnancy or birth have been documented.
Diagnosis and Tests for Q Fever
If you suspect you may have contracted Q Fever, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. Your doctor will begin by taking a detailed medical history and asking about your symptoms and potential exposure to animals or animal products.
To confirm the diagnosis, your healthcare provider will likely order blood tests to detect antibodies against Coxiella burnetii. In some cases, your doctor may also take multiple blood samples over time to confirm the presence of the bacteria.
Tests commonly used to diagnose Q Fever include:
- Blood Tests: These tests detect antibodies to C. burnetii and help determine whether you have an active infection.
- PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): A test that can detect the genetic material of bacteria in your blood, urine, or other samples.
- Cultures: In some cases, C. burnetii cultures may be used to confirm the diagnosis, although this can take time.
Q Fever Treatment for Acute Cases
Most people with acute Q Fever can recover fully with antibiotics, especially when the infection is detected early. Common antibiotics used to treat acute Q Fever include:
- Doxycycline
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX)
Treatment typically lasts for 2-3 weeks. Early intervention can reduce the likelihood of long-term complications or the development of chronic Q Fever.
Treatment for Chronic Q Fever
Chronic Q Fever is more challenging to treat. In these cases, a combination of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed, but treatment often requires several months or even years of therapy. The most commonly used medications for chronic Q Fever include:
- Doxycycline
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Rifampin
Chronic Q Fever can cause severe complications, especially in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, immune system disorders, or vascular issues. People who have had heart valve surgery or have implanted vascular prostheses may be more prone to developing chronic Q Fever.
Outlook and Prognosis of Q Fever
For most individuals with acute Q Fever, the outlook is favorable, with recovery expected within weeks of antibiotic treatment. However, about 20% of patients will experience Q Fever fatigue syndrome (QFS), where symptoms like fatigue, muscle pain, and headaches can persist for months or even years.
While the mortality rate for acute Q Fever is low (0.5 to 1.5%), the prognosis for chronic Q Fever is more concerning. Chronic Q Fever can be life-threatening, with mortality rates ranging from 12% to 25%, particularly if the infection leads to complications like endocarditis (inflammation of the heart valves), aneurysms, or heart failure.
Prevention of Q Fever
To reduce your risk of contracting Q Fever, particularly if you work with or live near animals, follow these preventive measures:
- Wear Protective Gear: When handling animals or animal products, wear a mask and gloves to reduce exposure to potentially contaminated dust or fluids.
- Avoid Unpasteurized Dairy Products: Never consume raw milk or dairy products unless they have been properly pasteurized.
- Limit Animal Contact: If possible, avoid direct contact with animals, particularly during calving, lambing, or other birthing events, as bacteria may be present in their bodily fluids.
- Vaccination: In some regions, such as Australia, a Q Fever vaccine is available, particularly for individuals working with animals in high-risk environments.
If you live or work around farm animals and are at high risk for Q Fever complications, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider for advice on prevention, including the possibility of vaccination.
Managing Symptoms and Living with Q Fever
If you’ve been diagnosed with Q Fever, it’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and take any prescribed medications as directed. Managing your symptoms and seeking treatment early can help prevent complications and long-term issues.
If you have chronic Q Fever, it’s crucial to maintain regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. Managing cardiovascular health may be a key part of your treatment plan, especially if you have pre-existing heart conditions or other risk factors.
Stay Vigilant and Seek Help Early
Q Fever is a rare but potentially severe illness with significant implications if left untreated.
While most cases of acute Q Fever can be effectively managed with antibiotics, chronic Q Fever can lead to serious complications, including heart disease and organ damage. If you live or work near farm animals or suspect that you’ve been exposed to the bacteria, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
At Renova Hospitals, we are dedicated to providing expert care and personalised treatment for patients suffering from Q Fever. Don’t hesitate to contact our medical team if you have concerns or need assistance with diagnosis, treatment, or prevention.
Take action early, follow preventive measures, and consult your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms related to Q Fever. Your health is our priority.
