Investigation of a Q fever outbreak in a rural area of The Netherlands

• DOI: 10.1017/s0950268808001908
• Publication Date: 2009-01-23T09:58:25Z
• Authors: I. KARAGIANNIS; B. SCHIMMER; A. VAN LIER; A. TIMEN; P. SCHNEEBERGER; B. VAN ROTTERDAM; A. DE BRUIN; C. WIJKMANS; A. RIETVELD; Y. VAN DUYNHOVEN
• Keywords: Q fever; Coxiella burnetii; Seroprevalence; Animal Husbandry

A Q fever outbreak occurred in the southeast of The Netherlands spring and summer 2007. Risk factors for acquisition a recent Coxiella burnetii infection were studied. In total, 696 inhabitants cluster area invited to complete questionnaire provide blood sample serological testing IgG IgM phases I II antibodies against C. burnetii, order recruit seronegative controls case-control study. Questionnaires also sent 35 previously identified clinical cases. Limited environmental sampling focused on two goat farms area. Living east area, which positive farm, cattle small ruminants situated, smoking contact with agricultural products associated infection. Information leaflets distributed large scale ruminant farms, including hygiene measures reduce risk spread between animals humans.