Q fever is an infectious disease that spreads from animals to humans. This microbe can survive for months and even years in dust or soil. Infected animals also release the microbe in milk and manure. People acquire the infection by inhaling infectious aerosols and contaminated dusts generated by animals or animal products. Many infections are asymptomatic.
Common symptoms resemble a serious case of the flu with high fever, chills and sweating.
In some case's people develop liver and heart disease. People usually contract Q fever when they breathe in the Q fever microbe. It is very infectious. As few as ten Q fever microbes can start an infection. People can also get Q fever by drinking infected milk, but most infections are spread through the air.