Q Fever Outbreak At Scottish Meatpacking Plant - BBC

[hatrack]

Eleven people who work at a meat processing plant in Bridge of Allan in Stirlingshire have contracted a rare infection known as Q fever. NHS Forth Valley said it was possible others could be affected by the outbreak of the flu-like illness.

An environmental health team was called in after workers at the Scotbeef facility reported feeling unwell. The health board said the risk of infection spreading to those who do not work at the plant was small. Q fever is caused by a bacterium called Coxiella burnetti carried by farm animals.

The infection is usually passed to humans through the faeces, urine or milk of goats, sheep, or cows. It can also spread if people inhale dust that contains particles of infected animal tissue.

Within a few weeks of becoming infected a person will experience a high fever, severe cough, headaches and muscle pains. However, many will fight off the infection without needing treatment. When this is the case the symptoms disappear after one or two weeks. However, some people can develop more severe problems.

EDIT

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/5196646.stm

[LeftCoast]

1. Lovely! As if working in a meat-packing plant weren't bad enough!

Sheesh, now people have to worry about Q Fever (whatever the hell that is!)

[PurgedVoter]

2. Way off topic but,

One of the google adds at the bottom of this discussion reads:

Ballistic Missiles
Bargain Prices. Smart Deals.
Shopzilla.com

I didn't click on it out of fear that if I did the CIA would round me up as the next big terrorist threat. What with my membership in the NEA and all I'd be in Gitmo by the end of the week!