Q Fever Disease

The Illness

Q fever is an acute illness with fever, chills, headache and muscle pains similar to severe influenza. Some people become infected without any illness being apparent, and a few develop long lasting illness with liver and heart complications. The disease is caught from infected animals.

The Germ

The germ is a very small organism, which is carried by cattle, sheep and goats and particularly by feral (wild) goats. Humans may become infected after drinking unpasteurized milk or, more usually, from inhaling dust from infected premises. Animal faeces, urine, blood and pregnancy fluids may contain large numbers of organisms which are not killed by sunlight or drying. Those most at risk from contracting the disease are abattoir workers, shearers and sometimes farmers. Visitors to abattoirs as well as workers may become ill after inhaling infected dust.

Prevention

The Commonwealths Serum Laboratories have prepared a vaccine, Q-Vax, which gives a very high level of protection, except if given after a person has already been infected. Some reddening and tenderness at the injection site is common. A lump or swelling is rare. Occasionally the vaccine may cause a mild fever and muscle aches.  Q-Vax is different from other vaccines in that the recipient must first be tested for immunity, since those persons already immune may have severe reaction to the vaccine. To detect immunity, two tests are done, a blood test and a skin test. For the blood test, 5-10mls of blood is taken and tested for Q fever antibodies. For the skin test, a small dose of diluted vaccine is injected into the skin. A previous history of infection with Q fever or having recent Q fever vaccine is a contradiction to vaccination.  The skin test is read 7 days later. If both skin test and the blood test are negative, and the person is not allergic to eggs, they are offered the vaccine which is given by injection under the skin.
(Persons allergic to eggs will not be able to be employed in either low or high risk areas as Midfield cannot ensure their safety).

Visitors

• Need to be asked if they have had Q-Fever or have been vaccinated. Asked to supply evidence of same.
• If no evidence supplied then to only visit low risk areas or wear a face mask.
• Document at front desk to be signed by visitors stating they have had Q Fever details explained to them and that they are either vaccinated or not.

Contractors

• Letter to be sent to all contractors regarding Midfield’s requirement for contractors to be vaccinated at their own cost. Include Q Fever information sheet.
• All Managers to be made aware of this requirement for all new contractors
• Risk assess work to be performed and location whilst on site.