Q Fever

4 cases in 2024 (baseline: ~9). Low absolute count.

What is it?

Q fever is caused by Coxiella burnetii, a bacterial infection primarily acquired from livestock. NYS had 5 cases in 2024. It is primarily an occupational disease of farmers, veterinarians, and abattoir workers. Acute Q fever is usually a self-limiting flu-like illness, but chronic Q fever — which can develop years later — involves endocarditis (heart valve infection) and can be fatal without prolonged antibiotic treatment.

How it spreads

Spreads by inhaling dust or aerosols contaminated with Coxiella from the birth fluids, placenta, feces, urine, or milk of infected animals — primarily cattle, sheep, and goats. The bacteria are extremely hardy and can remain infectious in the environment for months. Not typically spread person-to-person.

Symptoms

Acute Q fever (2–3 weeks after exposure): sudden high fever, severe headache, fatigue, muscle pain, and sometimes pneumonia or hepatitis. Up to half of infections are asymptomatic. Chronic Q fever: fatigue, fever, and signs of endocarditis (typically months to years after initial infection).

Who is at risk?

People who work with livestock (farmers, veterinarians, abattoir workers) or who live near farms and agricultural facilities. People with heart valve disease or who are immunocompromised face highest risk for chronic Q fever.

What you can do

Based on NYSDOH annual communicable disease report. Threat level reflects 2024 case counts compared to the 5-year baseline.