Q fever human cases investigated by Grant County Health District

EPHRATA - The Grant County Health District reported on June 16 that it is investigating reports of human cases of Q fever, a bacterial disease caused primarily by contact with goats, sheep and cattle.

The situation is serious enough that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has sent a Q fever team to the county. Questions about the CDC's investigation should be directed to Emily Zielinski-Gutierrez at EbzO@cdc.gov.

Under investigation as of the 14th were two Grant County farms and six human cases of Q fever.

According to GCHD, Q fever does not spread from person to person. The bacteria is most often found in urine, feces and milk of infected farm animals.

The number of bacteria is highest in birthing fluids and after-birth. People are at greatest risk when they are around infected animals that are giving birth. Eating meat does not cause Q fever, according to the GCHD.

About half of people who are infected show immediate signs. In most cases, early symptoms are high fevers (104-105 degrees), severe headaches, general malaise, muscle aches, chills and/or sweats, non-productive cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and chest pain.

Although most persons with Q fever recover, others can become seriously ill, according to the GCHD. Q fever can result in pneumonia, inflammation of the liver and heart and central nervous system complications..

The people with highest risk for Q fever are pregnant women, persons with weak immune systems and persons with heart valve defects, the GCHD said.