Are you exposed? Officials reveal the latest health threat
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A growing health concern is making waves across Victoria, sparking alarm among officials and residents alike.
What started as a subtle uptick in cases has now escalated into a pressing issue that could affect many.
As health experts scramble to manage the situation, new warnings have been issued, urging the public to take immediate action.
A dangerous infectious disease has been spreading across Victoria, prompting health officials to warn residents about its long-term risks.
The state’s health department reported 77 cases of Q fever in 2024—a ‘significant increase’ compared to the past five years.
Q fever is caused by the Coxiella burnetii bacteria and primarily spreads from cattle, sheep and goats.
Other animals, including kangaroos, camels, rodents, cats, dogs, birds and wallabies, can also transmit the infection.
While some infected individuals experience no symptoms or only mild illness, others suffer from severe flu-like symptoms.
These can include fever, sweats, chills, headaches, joint pain, fatigue and weight loss.
Health officials warned that the disease can lead to long-term complications such as heart disease, bone and joint infections and vascular infections.
Around 10 per cent to 15 per cent of severe cases result in Q fever fatigue syndrome, a chronic condition causing prolonged fatigue.
People working in close contact with animals, such as livestock handlers and abattoir workers, face the highest risk of infection.
Transmission occurs through inhaling dust or aerosols contaminated with bacteria from infected animals' birth fluids, faeces, urine or blood.
‘People working in high-risk occupational groups are strongly recommended to be vaccinated against Q fever which provides a high level of protection,’ the alert stated.
‘However, people who have previously had Q fever or have already received the Q fever vaccine should not be vaccinated due to the risk of adverse reactions.
‘It is necessary to be screened for previous exposure prior to vaccination.’
The department urged those in high-risk industries, including agriculture, livestock and dairy farming, to get vaccinated.
Antibiotics can be used to treat Q fever.
To reduce exposure, at-risk individuals should take precautions such as thoroughly washing hands and arms with soapy water after handling animals.
With such a significant rise in cases, how are you taking precautions to protect yourself? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
What started as a subtle uptick in cases has now escalated into a pressing issue that could affect many.
As health experts scramble to manage the situation, new warnings have been issued, urging the public to take immediate action.
A dangerous infectious disease has been spreading across Victoria, prompting health officials to warn residents about its long-term risks.
The state’s health department reported 77 cases of Q fever in 2024—a ‘significant increase’ compared to the past five years.
Q fever is caused by the Coxiella burnetii bacteria and primarily spreads from cattle, sheep and goats.
Other animals, including kangaroos, camels, rodents, cats, dogs, birds and wallabies, can also transmit the infection.
While some infected individuals experience no symptoms or only mild illness, others suffer from severe flu-like symptoms.
These can include fever, sweats, chills, headaches, joint pain, fatigue and weight loss.
Health officials warned that the disease can lead to long-term complications such as heart disease, bone and joint infections and vascular infections.
Around 10 per cent to 15 per cent of severe cases result in Q fever fatigue syndrome, a chronic condition causing prolonged fatigue.
People working in close contact with animals, such as livestock handlers and abattoir workers, face the highest risk of infection.
Transmission occurs through inhaling dust or aerosols contaminated with bacteria from infected animals' birth fluids, faeces, urine or blood.
‘People working in high-risk occupational groups are strongly recommended to be vaccinated against Q fever which provides a high level of protection,’ the alert stated.
‘However, people who have previously had Q fever or have already received the Q fever vaccine should not be vaccinated due to the risk of adverse reactions.
‘It is necessary to be screened for previous exposure prior to vaccination.’
The department urged those in high-risk industries, including agriculture, livestock and dairy farming, to get vaccinated.
Antibiotics can be used to treat Q fever.
To reduce exposure, at-risk individuals should take precautions such as thoroughly washing hands and arms with soapy water after handling animals.
With such a significant rise in cases, how are you taking precautions to protect yourself? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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