Q fever in Hesse authorities take action

Hesse is plagued by Q fever: health authorities adopt measures to protect the health of the population

25/02/2011

In Hessen and in the adjacent areas of North Rhine-Westphalia, the infectious disease Q fever is currently spreading. Since the Q fever is mainly transmitted by sheep, according to the health authorities, a total of nine flocks of sheep with a total of 1500 livestock were widely spaced. If pathogens have been detected in flocks of sheep, they must remain in stables and be under veterinary supervision. The authorities have now initiated long-term vaccinations in the affected herds, so that the spread of the Q fever pathogen (bacterium Coxiella burnetii) can be contained.

Sheep grazing must be 500 meters from the house
The infectious disease broke out according to media reports for the second time in the North Hessian Bromskirchen. Already ten years ago the wave of infection had started there. In order to prevent the germ from jumping over to humans, farmers will have to set up their pastures at least half a kilometer from the next dwelling house. According to the authorities, this measure is intended to reduce the transmission risk. The pathogen is usually transmitted through spores-occupied particles in the air.

Bacteria settle in the dust
According to veterinarians and farmers, the current so-called lambing time is responsible for the onset of the disease. Investigations of the health authorities had shown that the germs are to be found in large numbers in the mother cake of the carrying sheep. When an animal is born, the mother cake is excreted through the amniotic fluid. The bacteria then settle on the dust, which is then inhaled by humans. There is also a danger for pets, which can also become infected and thus themselves become the carrier of the fever. According to the Robert Koch Institute, especially dogs, cats and rabbits are at risk here.

Disease progress so far mild
Were just a few days ago, only 24 people, it is now almost 50. According to the doctors, so far only mild course of the disease was observed. Most patients are conventionally treated with antibiotic drugs. However, the disease could be dangerous for pregnant women, the elderly and patients with chronic conditions. Serious disease has also been reported in patients with heart disease. A spokesman for the Hochsauerlandkreis region emphasized that many people do not notice the infection, most assume that they are affected by a flu infection. The symptoms of Q fever are similar to flu. Those affected usually complain of headaches, body aches, fever and chills. After giving medication, most people are on the road to recovery. (Sb)

Read Q-fever:
22 people in Hesse suffering from Q fever

Picture credits: Elisabeth Eiling-Wilke