2011 Multistate Outbreak of Q Fever Linked to Goat Contact
An outbreak of Q Fever was associated with contact with goats that originated from a farm, in Grant County, Washington state. The farm sold goats to farms in eastern Washington, Oregon, and Montana. The infected goats were not milk goats. Seventeen farms participated in the outbreak investigation. Coxiella burnetii, the causative organism of Q Fever, was detected in 16 of 17 goat herds. Q fever is a bacterial infection that is rarely identified in people. Q fever is acquired by breathing in contaminated aerosolized droplets or dust particles released by infected animals. Drinking raw milk has also caused infection in rare cases.
Overview
| Outbreak began: | March 2011 |
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| Affected country: | US |
| States/territories: | MT, WA |
| Pathogen: | Coxiella burnetii |
| Vehicle(s): | Animal Contact |
| Location(s): | Farm |
| Molecular test results: | Not reported |
Health impact
| Total ill: | 20 |
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| Number hospitalized: | 4 |
Sources & documents
| Report / reference links | ||
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