Advanced search
NSW Public Health Bulletin archive

Notifications of Q fever in NSW, 2001–2010 Volume 23 Issue 1-2

Chris P. Lowbridge, Sean Tobin, Holly Seale, Mark J. Ferson

NSW Public Health Bulletin 23(2) 31-35 https://dx.doi.org/10.1071/NB11037 Published: 28 March 2012

  • Citation

  • PDF

About the author/s

Chris P. Lowbridge | NSW Public Health Officer Training Program, NSW Department of Health

Sean Tobin | Communicable Diseases Branch, NSW Department of Health

Holly Seale | School of Public Health and Community Medicine, The University of New South Wales

Mark J. Ferson | School of Public Health and Community Medicine, The University of New South Wales, South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Public Health Unit, NSW Health Transitional Organisation Southern

Corresponding author

Chris P. Lowbridge | [email protected]

Abstract

Q fever is the most frequently notified zoonotic infection in NSW residents. The past decade has seen the introduction of a targeted national Q fever vaccination program. Methods: We undertook a descriptive analysis of Q fever notifications in NSW, for the period 2001–2010. Results: A total of 1912 cases of Q fever were notified in NSW between 2001 and 2010 (average 2.8 per 100 000 persons per annum). The majority of Q fever cases were reported in men, aged 40–59 years, living in rural NSW and working in agricultural related occupations. Conclusion: The results suggest changes in the epidemiology of Q fever in response to the targeted vaccination program.