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Summary
An outbreak of Q fever in Gwent, South Wales, in 1981 was linked to an area near Newport. The likely cause was contaminated dust from farm vehicles spreading the infection.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Q fever is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by Coxiella burnetii.
- Outbreaks can occur through airborne transmission of the bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate an outbreak of Q fever in Gwent, South Wales, during the summer of 1981.
- To identify the source and transmission routes of the outbreak.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive epidemiology of 29 Q fever cases.
- Case-control study to identify risk factors.
- Environmental assessment to determine potential sources.
Main Results:
- The outbreak occurred over a 2-month period, peaking in late June.
- A case-control study identified an association with a specific area near Newport.
- No direct contact with farms or animals was reported by most patients.
- A common source of infection was not identified.
Conclusions:
- The most probable cause was the dissemination of contaminated dust from farm vehicles.
- Environmental factors, rather than direct animal contact, likely played a key role in this Q fever outbreak.