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First report of Q fever in Oman
E M Scrimgeour1, W J Johnston, S H Al Dhahry
1Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khod, Sultanate of Oman. scrim@squ.edu.om
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|February 1, 2000
Summary
This study reports the first two cases of acute Q fever in Oman. These findings highlight the need for increased awareness of Q fever in the Arabian Peninsula.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii, is a zoonotic disease with serologic evidence suggesting its presence in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
- Historically, acute Q fever has not been documented in the Arabian Peninsula.
Observation:
- This report details the first documented cases of acute Q fever in Oman.
- Two human cases of acute Q fever were identified and confirmed.
Findings:
- The identification of these cases confirms the occurrence of acute Q fever in Oman.
- This expands the known geographic distribution of acute Q fever within the Arabian Peninsula.
Implications:
- Clinicians in the region should consider Q fever in the differential diagnosis of febrile illnesses.
- Enhanced surveillance and diagnostic capabilities for Q fever are warranted across the Arabian Peninsula to understand its true prevalence and impact.