Q fever: an issue in occupational health & safety? An overview of the methods of control and the effects of Coxiella burnetii on the human host.

Q Fever has proved to be a virulent infectious disease for a great many years. A number of epidemics have occurred among laboratory workers engaged in research on C burnetii but few fatalities have been recorded and the course of the disease is generally uncomplicated and benign (Braunwald et al, 1987). By following the recommendations of a large number of scientists, implementing and maintaining basic control measures, the risk of contamination will be kept at a minimum.