With a name like Q fever, this illness is not very well known across the world. However, the fever is present all over the world, other than in New Zealand. The illness is caused by a microorganism called Coxiella burnetii rickettsia. This organism is present in animals like birds, cats, dogs, cattle, sheep, goats and ticks.

People, who work with animals, including those in abattoirs, are at a risk of contracting this illness. The microorganisms are usually airborne, or present on fur, hide, birth products, feces and urine of the carrier animals. You can also get Q fever by ingesting goat cheese and raw milk.

Here are some steps that will teach how to prevent Q fever.

In Australia, there is a vaccine available to protect the onset of the illness. This vaccine is called Q-Vax. So, if you are in Australia, this is the best way to prevent Q fever.

If you are in the US, you need to get in touch with the Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, which has an experimental vaccine for the illness.

In case you did not take the vaccine and you have contracted the fever, then the best alternative is to take antibiotics like tetracycline or doxycycline. However, these antibiotics should be taken in the first eight to twelve days of being exposed to the microorganism. It will prevent the illness from turning into a chronic one.

Other ways how Q fever is prevented is by disposing off any product that is contaminated, and the area where the product was kept should be cleaned thoroughly using water and soap. You can also decontaminate the area by allowing it to soak in a solution make up of seventy percent ethanol and five percent hydrogen peroxide.

Once you have disposed off the animal products, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly using warm water and soap. This is especially true in cases where the person has to handle animals, and includes vets and farmers.

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