engleski

The role of wind in the outbrake of Q fever

Objective: To determine the role of wind in the distribution of aerosol contaminated with Coxiella burnetii bacteria and in the outbreak of Q fever among persons distant from the source of infection Methods: The following clinical (symptoms and signs), laboratory (routine blood tests, C. burnetii serology by complement fixation test) and epidemiological (questionnaire, climate-meteorological data) parameters were analysed in 47 of 110 workers in a factory situated in the Zadar suburb Results: During a 15-day period between February 1-15, 2004 moderate northwest and north winds predominated in these areas, blowing up to 5 m/s and a strong gust of north wind (local wind called “bura") up to 8 m/s and higher. In the first half of March, Q fever was clinically and laboratory diagnosed in 14 out of 110 factory employees. In three factory departments that were directly exposed to gusts of north wind, clinical, radiological and laboratory analysis confirmed Q fever in 14 workers, while in the remaining four departments no one fell ill. Statistical analysis of obtained data proved that employees working at places directly exposed to north wind were more significantly affected by the Q fever compared to those working in areas protected from the gusts of north wind (p<0.05). Conclusion: North wind (bura) plays a role in the development of Q fever in persons distant from the source of infection by transmission of C. burnetii infected aerosols.

the role of wind ; outbrake ; Q fever

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