Q fever found in Grant County

MOSES LAKE - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent a team to Grant County Monday to investigate human cases of Q fever.

It is a bacterial disease primarily caused from contact with goats, sheep and cattle, according to Theresa Fuller, the Grant County Health District public information officer.

Grant County Health District and the Washington State Department of Health are cooperating with the CDC investigation.

Two farms are under investigation as well as six cases of human infection, Fuller stated Wednesday.

Q fever is not spread by person to person contact, according to the health district.

The bacteria that causes the disease are most often found in the urine, feces and milk of infected farm animals such as cattle, goats and sheep.

The bacteria levels are highest in birthing fluids and afterbirth, so people near infected animals giving birth are at the greatest risk of infection, Fuller stated.

No milk products are known to have circulated from the herds under investigation in Grant County and consuming meat does not cause Q fever, according to the health district.

About one half of all people infected with Q fever show immediate signs of illness. Most cases begin with one or more of the following symptoms: high fevers (up to 104-105 degrees), severe headache, general malaise, muscle aches, chills, sweats, nonproductive cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and chest pain, according to the health district.

Most people infected with Q fever recover, but some may have serious complications, Fuller stated. In rare cases the illness can carry on for long periods of time. Antibiotics may shorten the illness.

Pregnant women, people with weak immune systems and people with heart valve defects are at the greatest risk. People in these groups should be cautious around goats, sheep and cattle and should not participate in the birthing process, according to the health district.

Health concerns should be directed to family physicians. Those with animal health concerns should contact a veterinarian or call the Washington State Department of Agriculture at 360-902-1815.