Seven lessons for Australia from the recent Dutch epidemic
Q fever (Coxiella burnetii infection) is a common zoonosis in Australia, especially in rural Queensland and New South Wales.1 However, the largest outbreak of Q fever ever identified was in the Netherlands in 2007–2010, with about 4000 people affected.2 While further research is needed on best practice to control transmission, detect and treat infection, and monitor acute cases for the early detection of chronic Q fever, lessons have already emerged for Australian medical and public health practitioners.
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Heather Gidding is funded by a National Health and Medical Research Council postdoctoral research scholarship.
Stephen Graves is the Founder and Director of the Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory (ARRL). This is a not-for-profit diagnostic and research laboratory that receives money from the federal government (through “bulk-billing”) for diagnostic testing for Q fever. Any “profits” go into the ARRL research program. Stephen Graves does not receive any income from the ARRL.