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Health officials report four Q fever cases in Linn, Benton counties
july 26 2014
3 hours ago • By Alex Paul, Albany Democrat-Herald
Four cases of acute Q Fever have been identified in residents of Linn and Benton counties since May, according to Frank Moore, Linn County Public Health director.
In Linn County, the infection appears to be in the Harrisburg area.
In each county, one case is confirmed and the other is presumptive, Moore said.
“They are 45 miles apart, so they aren’t related,” Moore said. “We have to emphasize that the general public is not at risk, but people should be diligent about washing their hands, just like we advise during flu season.”
Moore said that usually there are only three to five cases statewide in a year.
“Therefore, these cases represent an unusually high number in a short period of time for this geographic area,” Moore said. “We are requesting the public’s help identifying and reporting additional cases.”
Moore said Q Fever is found in cattle, sheep and goats and it is spread through milk, urine and feces. The number of organisms are unusually high during birthing in the amniotic fluids and placentas of animals, especially sheep.
Especially at risk are farmers, ranchers, livestock shearers, stockyard workers, animal transporters and laboratory workers as well as veterinary staffers.
Infection of humans usually occurs due to inhalation of organisms attached to barnyard dust or dried fluids.
The incubation period is from 14 to 22 days.
More: Albany Democrat Herald
july 26 2014
3 hours ago • By Alex Paul, Albany Democrat-Herald
Four cases of acute Q Fever have been identified in residents of Linn and Benton counties since May, according to Frank Moore, Linn County Public Health director.
In Linn County, the infection appears to be in the Harrisburg area.
In each county, one case is confirmed and the other is presumptive, Moore said.
“They are 45 miles apart, so they aren’t related,” Moore said. “We have to emphasize that the general public is not at risk, but people should be diligent about washing their hands, just like we advise during flu season.”
Moore said that usually there are only three to five cases statewide in a year.
“Therefore, these cases represent an unusually high number in a short period of time for this geographic area,” Moore said. “We are requesting the public’s help identifying and reporting additional cases.”
Moore said Q Fever is found in cattle, sheep and goats and it is spread through milk, urine and feces. The number of organisms are unusually high during birthing in the amniotic fluids and placentas of animals, especially sheep.
Especially at risk are farmers, ranchers, livestock shearers, stockyard workers, animal transporters and laboratory workers as well as veterinary staffers.
Infection of humans usually occurs due to inhalation of organisms attached to barnyard dust or dried fluids.
The incubation period is from 14 to 22 days.
More: Albany Democrat Herald