What Is Q Fever?
4. Signs and Symptoms
After exposure, the incubation period of Coxiella burnetii is generally 2 to 3 weeks. The commonest presentation seen in most patients are flu-like symptoms with malaise, fever, severe headache, profuse perspiration, joint pain, appetite loss, dry cough, confusion, chills, pleuritic pain (pain during breathing), upper respiratory issues, nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal issues, and diarrhea.
It is important to note that about 50% of individuals with Q fever have no symptoms. During the course of the disease, the patient may develop atypical pneumonia, which can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome. In some cases, there may also be pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen due to hepatitis or liver enlargement. Rarely, there may be jaundice and retinal vasculitis.
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