The University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) will start a major study this month into Q fever in pregnant women. The purpose of the study is to find out whether it makes sense to perform the standard blood test in order to test for Q fever in all pregnant women in risk areas.
North Brabant in particular is a risk area , pregnant women from this province are asked if they want to participate in the blood test † Half of the group is immediately tested for Q fever In the other half, the blood taken after delivery is tested. This is the only way to determine the added value of the blood test.
In addition, the women who participate in the study fill in online data about their health. At the end of 2010, the results of the study I expect.
In the Netherlands, Q fever is most common in North Brabant, but seems to be spreading to other parts of the country as well. Read more about Q fever here>
