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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Melissa Davey Medical editor

Q fever vaccinations urged for high-risk workers after cases rise in south-east Queensland

Cattle are seen during an auction at the Roma saleyards in Roma, Queensland. A number of the cattle have a green ink mark on their backs
Q fever is caused by a bacteria carried by cattle, sheep, goats and kangaroos; people can be infected after breathing in droplets from dust, faeces or urine. Photograph: Dan Peled/EPA

An increase in the number of Q fever cases has prompted calls for residents in the Wide Bay area, in Queensland’s south-east, who work with animals to get vaccinated against the bacterial disease that can cause severe flu-like illness.

Queensland Health has been notified of 11 Q fever cases in the region this year, up from the usual three to seven cases identified by the same time in previous years.

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