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Q fever - Symptom

Alternative Names

Query fever

Symptoms:

It usually takes about 20 days after exposure to the bacteria for symptoms to occur. Most cases are mild, yet some severe cases have been reported.

Symptoms of acute Q fever may include:

  • Chest pain with breathing
  • Clay-colored stools
  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Jaundice
  • Muscle pains
  • Rash (not common)
  • Shortness of breath

Symptoms of chronic Q fever may include:

  • Chills
  • Fatigue
  • Night sweats
  • Prolonged fever
  • Shortness of breath

Signs and tests:

The health care provider will suspect Q fever in people who have been exposed to the Coxiella burnetii bacteria who develop:

  • Endocarditis
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Hepatitis
  • Pneumonia

Q fever is diagnosed with a blood antibody test (serology).

  • Reviewed last on: 9/28/2008
  • Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Baoult D. Rickettsioses. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 348.

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