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Laboratory outbreak of Q fever.
G N Hamadeh1, B W Turner, W Trible
1Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston.
The Journal of Family Practice
|December 11, 1992
Summary
An outbreak of Q fever occurred in a university research setting. Four of six exposed individuals showed positive titers, highlighting the importance of occupational history in diagnosing infectious diseases.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Occupational Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii.
- Research involving animal products, such as sheep placentas, can pose occupational health risks.
Observation:
- An outbreak of Q fever was identified in a university department utilizing sheep placentas for research.
- Six individuals with potential exposure to sheep were monitored.
Findings:
- Four out of six exposed individuals developed positive Q fever titers.
- One individual presented with acute febrile illness and liver disease.
Implications:
- This case underscores the critical role of family physicians in obtaining detailed occupational histories.
- Prompt outbreak investigation is essential for controlling the spread of zoonotic diseases in research environments.