Most symptoms disappear after 7-10 days. However, afflicted people can feel generally ill with loss of appetite for several weeks. A small percentage of patients develop hepatitis or liver disease and jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and darkening of the urine, caused by a malfunctioning of the liver. Other rare clinical syndromes including endocarditis, an inflammation of the lining of the heart cavity, have been reported. Laboratory tests for Q fever measure antibodies that circulate in the blood.
Antibodies are protective substances that the body produces in defense against infectious diseases.
Q fever can be diagnosed in patients who develop these antibodies in their blood following a period of unexplained feverish illness. The antibiotic tetracycline is often used to treat Q fever. Patients usually recover promptly when treatment is started without delay. Q fever is an occupational concern for workers who have contact with animals, animal products, or animal waste. Farm livestock, laboratory animals, and pets however can pick up Q fever directly from other infected animals or from contaminated surroundings.