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Q Fever Outbreak among Workers at a Waste-Sorting Plant
Eva Alonso1, Idoia Lopez-Etxaniz2, Ana Hurtado3
1Department of Epidemiology, Subdirección de Salud Pública de Bizkaia, Gobierno Vasco, Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain.
Plos One
|September 24, 2015
Summary
A Q fever outbreak at a waste plant infected over half of workers, primarily those without respiratory protection. Animal remains in waste were the likely source, highlighting the need for safety measures.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Q fever outbreaks can occur in occupational settings.
- Waste sorting facilities may present unique exposure risks.
- Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of Q fever.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology of a Q fever outbreak among waste-sorting plant workers.
- To identify the source and transmission routes of Coxiella burnetii infection.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of control measures.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological investigation including case finding (confirmed and probable cases).
- Laboratory confirmation using PCR and serology for Coxiella burnetii.
- Environmental sampling (dust) for pathogen detection using qPCR.
- Risk factor analysis, including use of respiratory protection and access to waste processing areas.
Main Results:
- 58.5% of investigated employees were affected by Q fever (47.2% confirmed, 11.3% probable).
- Infection incidence was significantly higher in workers not using respiratory protection masks.
- Coxiella burnetii was detected in dust from plant surfaces, confirming indoor exposure.
- Animal remains in waste were identified as the probable source of infection.
Conclusions:
- Waste-sorting plants pose a significant risk for Q fever transmission.
- Respiratory protection and limiting access to waste processing areas are crucial preventive measures.
- Raising awareness among farmers regarding proper disposal of animal carcasses is essential to prevent future outbreaks.
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