Changing Epidemiology of Q Fever in Germany, 1947-1999
Author Information
Author(s): Wiebke Hellenbrand, Thomas Breuer, Lyle Petersen
Primary Institution: Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin, Germany
Hypothesis
The epidemiology of Q fever in Germany has changed over the decades due to various factors including urbanization and changes in sheep husbandry.
Conclusion
Q fever outbreaks in Germany have increased in recent years, particularly in urban areas, likely due to changes in sheep farming practices and increased human exposure.
Supporting Evidence
- Q fever incidence increased from 0.8 per million from 1979 to 1989 to 1.4 per million from 1990 to 1999.
- 40 documented outbreaks of Q fever were identified from 1947 to 1999, with sheep implicated in 24 of these outbreaks.
- The seasonality of outbreaks has shifted from winter-spring to spring-summer.
Takeaway
Q fever is a disease that can spread from sheep to humans, and in Germany, more people are getting sick from it because of how sheep are raised and where people live.
Methodology
The study reviewed relevant studies and analyzed surveillance data on Q fever in Germany from 1947 to 1999.
Limitations
The study relies on historical data and may not capture all cases or outbreaks accurately.
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