Bioterrorism and Q fever: The Threat
- Coxiella burnetii, the bacteria that causes Q fever, is a potential bioterrorism threat.
- Federal agencies collaborate with health departments across the country to plan and prepare for any potential bioterrorism attacks.
About bioterrorism and Q fever
- Bioterrorism is the intentional release of viruses, bacteria, or other germs that can sicken or kill people, livestock, or crops.
- Coxiella burnetii, the bacteria that causes Q fever, is a potential bioterrorism agent.
Why is Q fever a concern
- Coxiella burnetii is a select agent subject to the select agent regulations found in 42 CFR Part 73.
- Coxiella burnetii is highly infectious, in some cases it requires less than 10 bacteria to make you sick.
- Coxiella burnetii is extremely resistant to heat, drying, and many common disinfectants.
- People get infected by breathing in Coxiella burnetii
- Coxiella burnetii has been previously weaponized for use in biological warfare and is a potential terrorist threat.
Preparedness
- We do not know if or when a bioterrorism attack might occur. However, federal agencies have worked for years with health departments across the country to plan and prepare for any such attack.
