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Flock of sheep Cause of Q fever infections in Horb
After several people were in Horb am Neckar to Q fever, the source of infection is now, according to the city announcement "probably found." A flock of sheep had been identified by the Veterinary and Consumer Protection Office of the District Office Freudenstadt as a probable source of infection of human Q fever infections.
In the samples of the suspicious flock of sheep in the analyzes at the Chemical and Veterinary Investigation Office Karlsruhe, the proof of the Q fever pathogen was provided, reports the city Horb. As a precaution, the necessary control measures were already initiated in the affected stock before the results of the investigation were available.
Flock of sheep probably the source of infection of Q fever cases in Horb am Neckar. (Image: Andrea Wilhelm / fotolia.com) Measures to prevent further infections initiated
According to official figures, all "sheep in the context of primary immunization have already been vaccinated against the Q fever pathogen by the official veterinarians" and "all risk animals, ie animals that can be contagious, will now be used to reduce the risk of more In the course of the intensified investigations by the resident physicians in the last ten days "nine further laboratory-confirmed Q fever cases from Horb-Dießen were reported". According to the news agency "dpa", the state health department has registered 145 cases of Q fever in people all over Baden-Württemberg this year, with most infections (52 cases) having occurred in Zollernalbkreis. So far, 40 infections have been reported from the Göppingen district and 10 infections have been reported to the district of Esslingen. In the years 2008, 2010 and 2014, there were also larger Q fever outbreaks with up to 230 cases of disease in the southwest, which were each associated with infected sheep.
If there are signs of Q fever, see a doctor
Signs of Q fever infection can be symptoms similar to a "summer flu" such as fever, chills, headaches and body aches, reports the city of Horb. A medical examination with urgent symptoms is urgently required. In addition, pregnant women, immunocompromised persons and persons with heart defects or heart valve replacement are particularly at risk. If you've been near sheep or goats since mid-May, you'll be advised to go to the doctor and get a precautionary check for Q fever, even if you have no symptoms. (Fp)