Victoria releases alert for infectious ‘Q fever’ disease

A dangerous and infectious disease that can cause long-term health complications is spreading across Victoria, prompting the state’s health department to issue a fresh warning to residents.

There were 77 cases of the Q fever disease in 2024, the department said, a “significant increase” on the previous five years.

Q fever is a disease caused by infection with Coxiella burnetii bacteria, the department’s alert states.

It is mainly spread to humans from cattle, sheep and goats but can also spread from other domestic and wild animals such as kangaroos, camels, rodents, cats, dogs, birds and wallabies.

While some people with Q fever will not show any symptoms or come down with only a mild illness, the department warns that some may come down with a severe “flu-like illness” with fever, sweats, chills, headaches, joint pain, fatigue and weight loss.

It can also cause long-term complications such as heart disease, bone and joint infections and vascular infections.

Some 10 to 15 per cent of people with severe infections develop long-term chronic fatigue, the department said, known as Q fever fatigue syndrome.

People who work with animals are most at risk of catching the disease, with the infection commonly transmitted through the inhalation of dust or aerosols contaminated with bacteria from birth fluids, faeces, urine or blood of infected animals.

Health officials are urging agriculture, livestock and dairy farm workers to get vaccinated against the disease.

“People working in high-risk occupational groups are strongly recommended to be vaccinated against Q fever which provides a high level of protection,” the alert states.

“However, people who have previously had Q fever or have already received the Q fever vaccine should not be vaccinated due to the risk of adverse reactions.

“It is necessary to be screened for previous exposure prior to vaccination.”

Q fever can also be treated with antibiotics.

The alert states high-risk groups can also take steps to reduce their risk of exposure, such as washing hands and arms thoroughly in soapy water after any contact with animals.