Q Fever (Coxiella burnettii)

Disease Information

Q fever, caused by the rickettsial organism Coxiella burnetii, is found in at least 51 countries on five continents. The primary reservoirs are cattle, sheep, goats, and ticks, but many species of animals, both wild and domestic, are susceptible to infection. Humans are usually infected by inhalation of aerosolized particles.

Disease Reporting

What is required?

Health Care Providers and Clinical Laboratories

Health care providers and clinical laboratories are required by law to report cases and suspect cases of Q Fever to local health departments within one working day of identification.

• Health care providers: Use our secure web-based confidential reporting system – OR – use the confidential PDF reporting form.
• See How and Where to Report for more information and local health department contacts.

For Tribal and Local Public Health Authorities

• CDC Q Fever Case Report Form (pdf)

For reportable diseases lacking Oregon-specific investigative guidelines or case report forms, please contact the state epidemiologist on call for assistance at 971-673-1111.

Data

• Q fever data is included in the Annual Oregon Selected Communicable Disease Summary Communicable Disease Summary
  

See Also

• See the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety fact sheet for answers to common questions about Q fever
• More information on other possible biological agents