Q fever Several cases confirmed in Dusseldorf

Several Q fever diseases in Dusseldorf
Dusseldorf authorities have now confirmed that three people in the city have been infected with Q fever. There are also three other suspected cases. The disease is caused in humans by a bacterium that is transmitted by animals.

Patients are doing well in the circumstances
In Dusseldorf authorities have confirmed three cases of "Q fever". There are also three suspected cases. According to a report by the "WDR", the health department said that the three patients are doing well in the circumstances. A patient is treated in a hospital. Q fever is caused in humans by a bacterium, which is usually transmitted by cloven-hoofed animals such as sheep, goats and cattle, the animals themselves hardly getting sick. So far, the Health Department and the Office of Consumer Protection assume that the patients came into contact with the bacterium at a sheep farm. Most of this is transmitted by infectious dust or direct contact with infected animals, for example, by stroking.

Q fever is usually transmitted by goats, sheep or cattle. (Image: romurundi / fotolia.com)

Infected animals do not have to be killed
Since the disease is not transmitted from person to person, no quarantine measures are necessary. In 50 sheep blood samples were taken, the analysis results should be available on Monday. Until then, the sheep remain isolated so that they can not come into contact with humans or other animals. If the result is positive, the city wants to apply to vaccinate the infected sheep. It is unlike swine flu, for example, not necessary to kill the animals. Rather, they should be brought to a remote pasture in this case and observed there for several weeks after vaccination.

For risk groups it can be dangerous
In animals, the rare disease is usually harmless. In humans, however, the infectious disease can be uncomfortable and even very dangerous for people from risk groups. The disease usually starts like a "summer flu" with a high fever, chills, muscle aches, body aches and marked forehead headaches. In addition, lung or liver inflammation may occur in the further course. In rare cases it comes to a myocardial or inner wall inflammation or meningitis. According to health experts, pregnant women are considered a special risk group. With them, Q fever is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage and premature birth. Persons with heart defects or heart valve replacement are particularly at risk because they may experience chronic inflammation in their hearts.

Incubation period up to three weeks
The incubation period is usually two to three weeks. The Düsseldorf health authority has pointed out that those who have the symptoms mentioned two to three weeks after the last contact with a potentially infected animal, should visit their family doctor for treatment. According to experts, a blood test could show whether it is Q fever. If an infection is detected, it can usually be treated effectively with the help of antibiotics. (Ad)