Infection can lead to lethargy, fever and ongoing health issues - Great Lakes Advocate

With lambing and calving season in full swing, Hunter New England Local Health District is urging people who work with livestock to get vaccinated against Q fever. A bacterial infection carried by animals such as cattle, sheep and goats, Q fever can leave those who catch it with chronic lethargy that may last several months. There have been 20 recorded cases of the illness in the Hunter New England district so far this year, with an average of around 50 cases recorded here annually, although many cases are believed to go undiagnosed. Population Health's Peter Massey said a single dose vaccine was recommended for people who worked in high-risk occupations, such as farmers, as well as for people aged 15 years and over who were at risk of being exposed to Q fever. Dr Massey said the illness could have a lasting health impact. "The risk of ongoing health issues, such as heart disease and chronic fatigue, can really hit individuals and families hard," he said. "With all the pressure on farmers and livestock handlers with the drought and now COVID-19, the last thing we want is for them to be needlessly drained of energy for months on end after being struck down by Q fever." The illness can be contracted when people breathe in dust particles contaminated by infected animal secretions or after close contact with livestock or certain native animals. Symptoms can include high fevers and chills, sweating, severe headaches, muscle and joint pains and extreme fatigue. You may also like: Ensuring the longevity of the planet Dr Massey urged anyone who might be at risk to consult their GP. "We want people to proactively talk to their doctor about Q fever," he said. Children who work with farm animals can also contract the illness, but the vaccine is not recommended for people under the age of 15. For this reason, Dr Massey said it was a good idea to continue employing some of the behaviours that have been adopted as a result of COVID-19, such as regular handwashing and using masks. "Really good hand washing, using protective masks, protective clothing and removing clothes worn for chores outside before entering the family home are behaviours to be reinforced because they can protect those who cannot be vaccinated," he said. The NSW Government is investing around $1 million between 2018 and 2022 to help farmers and other people in rural areas who work with animals to protect themselves against Q fever. NSW Health is currently delivering an education campaign targeting people in occupations and locations considered high risk. For more information on the illness and vaccine, click here. Stay ahead with local news by signing up for the Great Lakes Advocate newsletter here.

With lambing and calving season in full swing, Hunter New England Local Health District is urging people who work with livestock to get vaccinated against Q fever.

A bacterial infection carried by animals such as cattle, sheep and goats, Q fever can leave those who catch it with chronic lethargy that may last several months.

There have been 20 recorded cases of the illness in the Hunter New England district so far this year, with an average of around 50 cases recorded here annually, although many cases are believed to go undiagnosed.

Population Health's Peter Massey said a single dose vaccine was recommended for people who worked in high-risk occupations, such as farmers, as well as for people aged 15 years and over who were at risk of being exposed to Q fever.

The risk of ongoing health issues, such as heart disease and chronic fatigue, can really hit individuals and families hard.

Dr Peter Massey

Dr Massey said the illness could have a lasting health impact.

"The risk of ongoing health issues, such as heart disease and chronic fatigue, can really hit individuals and families hard," he said.

"With all the pressure on farmers and livestock handlers with the drought and now COVID-19, the last thing we want is for them to be needlessly drained of energy for months on end after being struck down by Q fever."

The illness can be contracted when people breathe in dust particles contaminated by infected animal secretions or after close contact with livestock or certain native animals.

Symptoms can include high fevers and chills, sweating, severe headaches, muscle and joint pains and extreme fatigue.

Dr Massey urged anyone who might be at risk to consult their GP.

"We want people to proactively talk to their doctor about Q fever," he said.

Children who work with farm animals can also contract the illness, but the vaccine is not recommended for people under the age of 15. For this reason, Dr Massey said it was a good idea to continue employing some of the behaviours that have been adopted as a result of COVID-19, such as regular handwashing and using masks.

"Really good hand washing, using protective masks, protective clothing and removing clothes worn for chores outside before entering the family home are behaviours to be reinforced because they can protect those who cannot be vaccinated," he said.

The NSW Government is investing around $1 million between 2018 and 2022 to help farmers and other people in rural areas who work with animals to protect themselves against Q fever.

NSW Health is currently delivering an education campaign targeting people in occupations and locations considered high risk.

For more information on the illness and vaccine, click here.

Stay ahead with local news by signing up for the Great Lakes Advocate newsletter here.

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2020-10-10 07:00:00Z
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