Department of Health
MEDIA  RELEASE

13 December 2004

VACCINATIONS URGED AGAINST Q FEVER
IN JAMESTOWN REGION

The Department of Health is leading an investigation into an outbreak of Q fever among people in the Jamestown region.

The Director of Communicable Diseases Branch, Dr Rod Givney, says eight people have been confirmed with Q fever and a further 5 are being investigated for the disease.

“All the cases have had close contact with sheep and the possible sources of exposure are being investigated,” says Dr Givney.

Q fever is an infection caused by an organism called Coxiella burnetii.

“Symptoms, when they occur, include fever, headache behind the eyes, weakness, and severe sweats and chills,” says Dr Givney.

“A recurring chronic fatigue syndrome may follow infection. Diagnosis is made by a series of blood tests while direct person-to-person spread is rare.

“Humans usually become infected following direct contact with infected animals such as cattle, sheep and goats or by contact with contaminated materials such as wool, straw or fertiliser. Contact with infected particles in dust from areas contaminated by infected animals can also spread the disease.”

Dr Givney says Q fever vaccination is recommended for people who have contact with cattle, sheep, goats and kangaroos and includes abattoir workers, farmers, stockyard workers, shearers, animal transporters and veterinarians.

Enquiries: Rod Givney (08) 8226-7177 or Department of Health Media Line 8226-6488