MANILA — While Q fever can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or their byproducts, the Department of Health (DOH) said properly cooking meat would ensure against infection. 

The disease, caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, primarily affects livestock such as sheep, goats, and cattle. 

"Ang pagkain sa karne ng kambing basta ito ay naluto ibig sabihin wala talagang hilaw...basta luto ang karne hindi siya makakahawa ng Q fever," DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo said. 

(Consuming goat meat that is properly cooked does not pose a risk of Q fever infection.)

 Domingo, who is also a doctor, detailed the other means of transmission.

 "'Yung placenta, kapag nanganganak ang isang hayop dahil sa ating pag-aalaga sa mga tupa, kambing at baka maaaring merong nag a-asiste sa mga farm handlers o mga veterinarians, sila 'yung mga pwedeng lipatan ng Q fever. Ang paglipat mula sa tao papunta sa ibang tao ay napakabihira," he said. 

(Placenta from animals giving birth, especially those cared for by farm handlers or veterinarians, can be a source of Q fever transmission. Human-to-human transmission is very rare.) 

The symptoms of Q fever in humans can vary but often include fatigue, headache, cough, and vomiting.

 Domingo emphasized that these symptoms are non-specific and can resemble many other illnesses.

 READ: Philippines confirms first case of Q fever

 "Malalaman lang namin na Q fever 'yan kung una, meron kaming natanong sa inyo sa interview kayo ba ay lumapit sa hayop, nagpunta sa isang bukid..at ikalawa kung mataas ang index of suspicion pwedeng kuhaan ng sample..sina-swab yung ilong...kumukuha ng dugo," Domingo said.

 (We identify Q fever through a combination of patient interviews and laboratory tests. If someone reports close contact with animals or visits to farms, and if we have a high index of suspicion, we conduct tests such as nasal swabs or blood samples to confirm the diagnosis.)

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has reported that the Q fever situation in Marinduque and Pampanga is now under control.

DA spokesperson Arnel De Mesa said comprehensive measures have been implemented to manage and contain the disease.

READ: Q fever transmission in PH already contained: DA

"Na-defog na natin ang lahat ng mga kambing na nandun sa Marinduque at dun sa Pampanga. Including yung mga ruminants na nandun sa Marinduque na nandun sa ating facility ay isinama na rin sa depopulation to control yung possible na pagkalat niya at tuloy-tuloy din yung contact tracing natin dun sa possible na exposure ng ibang animals...Nagkaroon na rin na mga recent ulit na mga testing, laboratory testing at ang lumalabas ngayon ay negative na test result," de Mesa said.

(We have depopulated all goats in Marinduque and Pampanga to prevent further spread. We included ruminants in our facilities in the depopulation efforts. Ongoing contact tracing for possible exposure of other animals continues. Recent laboratory tests have returned negative results, indicating the situation is under control.)

Both the DOH and DA advise those who care for animals to practice proper hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of diseases from animals to humans.

This includes regular hand washing after handling animals, cleaning animal habitats, and ensuring that any meat consumed is thoroughly cooked.

READ: Expert: Proper hygiene important to prevent spread of Q fever

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