Q Fever in a Wool and Hair Processing Plant

Q Fever Outbreak in Industrial Setting

“…Contaminated fomites can produce secondary aerosols of C. burnetii sporelike forms ( 4 ), and several outbreaks have demonstrated the possibility of spread on fomites such as clothing, straw, hay, contaminated shoes, and building materials ( 22 , 25 – 36 ). However, unless a mechanism exists to repeatedly reaerosolize the source, fomites are likely to pose a risk even when they are not heavily contaminated, and this view is supported by the general principles that govern the dispersion and settling out of dust particles or sporelike forms ( 17 , 37 ).…”

Study Of Q Fever in Animals and Man in Pennsylvania

“…Three general hypotheses as to the modes of spread of Q fever from cattle to man have been suggested, i.e., occupation in dairy or livestock industries, residence in close approximation to a dairy or livestock yards, and household use of improperly pasteurized or raw milk.1', [22][23][24][25] The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of Q fever in man and animals in Pennsylvania by tracing documented human cases. In addition, a survey of Pennsylvania cattle was conducted to obtain information about the prevalence of Q fever antibodies in this species.…”

Commercial Buildings

“…In a mill in the USA where outbreaks had occurred, anthrax levels were measured at up to 300 cfu/m 3 (Crook and Swan 2001). Q fever, which can result from inhalation or exposure to Coxiella burnetti, has been reported among workers in a wool and hair processing plant (Sigel et al 1950).…”