Patient discussions
Outbreaks have tended to occur in occupational exposure and have involved veterinarians, meat-processing plant workers, sheep and dairy workers, livestock farmers, and researchers at facilities housing sheep. Therefore, prevention and control efforts should be directed primarily towards these groups and environments. However, the general public should be educated on sources of infection.[109] This is particularly important for those at high risk of persistent focalised infection (e.g., pregnant women and patients with pre-existing valvulopathy or vasculopathy, or immunocompromised status as a result of HIV infection or cancer chemotherapy).
The C burnetii bacterium is found in maternal breast milk; therefore, breastfeeding is not recommended in patients with C burnetii infection. To confirm if breastfeeding should be stopped, a polymerase chain reaction for C burnetii could be performed on the maternal breast milk.
Australian Q fever register Opens in new window CDC: Q fever Opens in new window
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer