04/28/26 Public Health Education Topic: Q Fever

Per CDC

Key points

• Symptoms of Q fever can be mild or severe.

• There is not a vaccine to prevent Q fever available for use in the United States.

• Your healthcare provider may order certain blood tests if you are suspected to have Q fever.

• Most people who have Q fever will recover without antibiotics, but for symptomatic patients, doxycycline is the recommended antibiotic for treatment of Q fever.

Risk factors

People with certain jobs are at increased risk for exposure to Coxiella burnetii, including veterinarians, meat processing plant workers, dairy workers, livestock ranchers, and researchers at facilities housing sheep and goats. People working in these areas may need to take extra precautions (see MMWR R&R: Occupational Exposure and Prevention).

Prevention

• Q fever vaccines are not available in the United States.

• Reduce your risk of getting Q fever by avoiding contact with animals, especially while animals are giving birth. Animals can be infected with Coxiella burnetii and appear healthy.

• Do not consume raw milk or raw milk products.

• If you have been diagnosed with Q fever and have a history of heart valve disease, blood vessel abnormalities, a weakened immune system, or are pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about your risk for developing chronic Q fever.

To learn more please visit: About Q fever | Q Fever | CDC