EpiReview: notifications of Q fever in NSW, 2001-2010

N S W Public Health Bull. 2012 Jan-Feb;23(1-2):31-5. doi: 10.1071/NB11037.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Agriculture
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Disease Notification / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • New South Wales
  • Q Fever / epidemiology*
  • Rural Population