What Is Q Fever?
3. Epidemiology
In the United States in 1999, Q fever became a reportable disease (for the exception of some states: Iowa, Vermont, Delaware, Oklahoma, West Virginia). The annual incidence before 1999 was 21 cases. It then rose to 51 cases from 2000 to 2004. In 2005, 136 cases and in 2006, 169 cases were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In 2006, it was reported to be 0.06 cases per 100,000 individuals. Since 2003, there have been more than 200 cases reported among US military personnel. Globally, it ranges about 5% in urban areas to 30% in rural areas. Since some cases of Q fever may have little to no symptoms, the incidence may be underrepresented. Q fever is highly prevalent in Spain, the Middle East, and Southern France. There is no racial predilection but is more common among females.
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