Acute Communicable Disease Control

County of Los Angeles
Department of Public Health
Acute Communicable Disease Control
313 N. Figueroa Street, #212
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 240-7941
Fax: (213) 482-4856
Email:acdc2@ph.lacounty.gov

Q-Fever

Q-fever is caused by bacteria called Coxiella burnetti. This disease is rarely seen in Los Angeles County, but local transmission does occur occasionally. The bacterium is carried by infected cows and goats. You can get Q-fever from inhaling contaminated dust or air particles close to where cattle and goats are being slaughtered or giving birth. It is transmitted through the body fluids (such as blood) of these animals. Veterinarians and slaughterhouse workers are at risk for this disease. You can also get Q-fever from unpasteurized "raw" milk products made from the milk of infected animals, or consuming undercooked meat of infected animals. Do not drink or eat unpasteurized "raw" milk products and avoid illegal slaughterhouse products.

• ACDC: A Manual of Departmental Rules, Regulations and Control Procedures (B73)
  
• Q-Fever Reporting Form 
  • LAC: ACDC's Epidemiologic Case History Forms Web Page
  • LAC: Reported Cases of Selected Diseases (2011-2016) 
  • LAC: Reported Cases of Selected Diseases (2005-2010) 
  • LAC: Reported Cases of Selected Diseases (1999-2004) 
• CDC: Q-Fever Information
• CDC: Raw Milk Information
• CDPH: Q-Fever Information

For more information about Q fever visit the CDC Web site at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/qfever/index.htm