After the Mexican flu (New Influenza A) it is now the Q fever that is occupying the minds in the Netherlands. After scientists from the University of Wageningen succeeded in isolating the Q fever bacterium and thus fighting the disease seriously, the National Institute of Public Health (RIVM) reported last week that four people had already died.
It remains to be seen whether the victims actually died of Q fever, according to experts. According to the RIVM, all cases involved people who also suffered from so-called 'underlying suffering'; other causes or complications may therefore also have played a role in their death.
Q fever is caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii , which occurs mainly in small ruminants (including goats and sheep). The outbreak in the Netherlands is most likely caused by goats. The bacterium is causing an abortion wave among the pregnant animals. This releases many Q fever bacteria, which people who then inhale these bacteria can become infected.
In 2007 there was an outbreak of Q fever in the province of Brabant, in which about 140 people were sick. According to the RIVM, it is possible that the unprecedented outbreak of Q fever in Brabant and its spread over an increasing part of the country, is caused by the dry spring, which makes the bacteria easily blown away.
RIVM advises people who have been in contact with goats or sheep to wash their hands thoroughly. But because the bacteria are released into the environment in large quantities by infected animals and can be spread over great distances as contaminated dust particles, no measure offers one hundred percent protection.
Read also 'Symptoms &prevention Q fever'>
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