Kijabe Hospital - Quality Healthcare with Compassion

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Q Fever

Description

Q fever is a bacterial infection caused by Coxiella burnetii, which primarily spreads through inhalation of contaminated dust from infected animals (cattle, sheep, and goats). It is common in people who work with livestock, such as farmers and veterinarians. Symptoms include : Flu-like symptoms – High fever, chills, sweating, Severe headaches and muscle aches, Cough, chest pain, and pneumonia, Liver inflammation (hepatitis) and heart complications (endocarditis) in chronic cases. Doctors diagnose Q fever using blood tests (antibody detection) and PCR tests. It is treated with antibiotics (doxycycline for acute cases, long-term antibiotics for chronic infections). Preventive measures include avoiding contact with infected animals and wearing protective gear.

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