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Prevention

Person milking a goat
  • Q fever vaccines are not available in the United States.
  • Reduce your risk of getting Q fever by avoiding contact with animals, especially while animals are giving birth. Animals can be infected with Q fever, but may appear healthy.
  • Do not consume nonpasteurized milk and milk products.
  • Certain professions are at increased risk for exposure to C. burnetii, including veterinarians, meat processing plant workers, sheep and dairy workers, livestock farmers, and researchers at facilities housing sheep and goats. People working in these areas may need to take extra precautions (see MMWR R&R: Occupational Exposure and Prevention).
  • If you have been diagnosed with acute Q fever and have a history of heart valve disease, blood vessel abnormalities, immunosuppression, or are pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about your risk for developing chronic Q fever.
Diagram showing how Q Fever is spread from an aminal to humans.
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