EpiReview: notifications of Q fever in NSW, 2001-2010.

UNLABELLED: Q fever is the most frequently notified zoonotic infection in NSW residents. The past decade has seen the introduction of a targeted national Q fever vaccination program.

METHODS

We undertook a descriptive analysis of Q fever notifications in NSW, for the period 2001-2010.

RESULTS

A total of 1912 cases of Q fever were notified in NSW between 2001 and 2010 (average 2.8 per 100 000 persons per annum). The majority of Q fever cases were reported in men, aged 40-59 years, living in rural NSW and working in agricultural related occupations.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest changes in the epidemiology of Q fever in response to the targeted vaccination program.