Q fever ‘outbreak’ tests experts’ patience

A Q fever expert has rejected reports of an “outbreak” in Geelong.
Twenty-five council workers who tested positive for Q fever antibodies could have had the disease any time in recent decades, said Geelong clinical microbiologist Dr Owen Harris.
The workers could not be reinfected and had no risk of infecting anyone else, he said.
“This is not an outbreak,” Dr Harris said.
“This group of workers had Q fever in the past but have recovered. They are not sick now and won’t get Q fever again.
“They could have got it anywhere. It could have been many years ago, decades ago.”
Q fever is transmitted as an aerosol from animals to humans. The disease can cause flu-like system and, in rare cases, liver and heart problems.
Reports on Wednesday linked the positive antibodies tests to council’s saleyards at North Geelong but City Hall told the Indy that none of the positive workers were employed at the facility.
The council employed three full-time staff at the saleyards but each was either vaccinated or immune from Q fever, City Hall said.
The past infections came to light only after the council encouraged staff to seek vaccinations following publicity of Q fever incidents elsewhere, Dr Harris said.
“The council’s doing the right thing.”
The Health Department confirmed that Geelong was clear of current notifications for Q fever.
“The only outbreak in Geelong is an outbreak of testing,” a department spokesperson said.