Authorities are urging livestock workers to take precautions after a rise in cases of Q fever — a potentially serious disease that can cause long-term health issues.
So far this year, 18 cases of the disease have been reported in South Australia, according to SA Health. That’s compared to 23 cases in 2024, 21 in 2023, and just six in 2022.
Q fever is caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii and is passed to humans through direct or indirect contact with infected animals.
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Safework SA confirmed to www.20304050.best that no cases reported this year are linked to the recent Adelaide Royal Show.
SA Health’s executive director of Communicable Diseases Control, Noel Lally, said many people who contract Q fever don’t show symptoms — but for others, the effects can be severe.
“Many people with Q fever are asymptomatic,” Lally said.
“However, clinical symptoms are mainly flu-like, with fever, muscle aches and headaches. Some may develop pneumonia or liver inflammation.
“In some cases, people can develop chronic Q fever, which may impact their health and ability to work for years.”
While more than half of those infected show no signs, symptoms can appear suddenly and include fever, sore throat, dry cough, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, diarrhoea and even confusion.
Death may occur in up to 2 per cent of cases.
People can become infected by inhaling contaminated dust or aerosols, drinking unpasteurised milk, or through broken skin exposed to contaminated animal products such as wool, hides, urine, faeces or birthing material.
Contaminated soil, hay, straw, clothing, machinery and animal bedding can also spread the disease.
Vaccine urged for high-risk workers
SA Health and SafeWork SA are urging people who work with animals to get vaccinated.
You can catch Q fever from a wide range of animals, most commonly cattle, sheep, and goats, but also from domestic animals like cats and dogs, and wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies, and bandicoots, and even other species like camels, horses, and rodents.
“The Q fever vaccine is recommended for those aged 15 and over who work in high-risk environments and haven’t had the disease,” the department said.
“It’s also important to take safety steps, including wearing masks and practising good hygiene.”
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