How can Q fever be contracted?

Q fever can be contracted through:

- Inhalation: Breathing in airborne dust or aerosols that contain the bacteria. This is the most common route of infection. Animals carrying Coxiella burnetii, such as goats, sheep, and cattle, can shed the bacteria in their birth products and feces, creating a potential source of airborne transmission.

- Contact with infected animals: Direct contact with infected animals, especially during activities like birthing, slaughtering, or handling animal products, can transmit Q fever. Touching the birth products or feces of infected animals can lead to exposure to the bacteria.

- Ingestion: Consuming raw or unpasteurized dairy products, particularly milk, from infected animals can transmit the infection through ingestion.

- Less common routes: Q fever can also be acquired through contaminated soil or water, although these routes are less frequent compared to inhalation, animal contact, and ingestion.