Notifications of Q fever in NSW, 2001–2010
Chris P. Lowbridge A E , Sean Tobin B , Holly Seale C and Mark J. Ferson C DA NSW Public Health Officer Training Program, NSW Department of Health
B Communicable Diseases Branch, NSW Department of Health
C School of Public Health and Community Medicine, The University of New South Wales
D South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Public Health Unit, NSW Health Transitional Organisation Southern
E Corresponding author. Email: clowb@doh.health.nsw.gov.au
NSW Public Health Bulletin 23(2) 31-35 https://doi.org/10.1071/NB11037
Published: 28 March 2012
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.
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