Despite using anti-infective medications, the fever of Duong, 43, persisted and worsened. Following in-depth tests, doctors at Longhua District People's Hospital in Shenzhen diagnosed him with a rare infectious disease called "Q fever", according to Sina.

The patient was diagnosed with the rare infectious disease Q fever after a week of continuous high fever. *Sina*

The patient stated he had never heard of this disease until his hospitalization, where his body temperature consistently remained at 39°C. Imaging results found no clear infection foci in the lungs, abdomen, or brain; similarly, indicators for rheumatism, immunity, and cancer markers showed no abnormalities. However, given the elevated inflammatory markers and the body's poor response to conventional antibiotics, doctors suspected an atypical pathogen. Subsequent metagenomic sequencing (gene sequencing) of his blood confirmed the presence of *Coxiella burnetii*, also known as Rickettsia, which causes Q fever.

Investigating his epidemiological history, doctors discovered Duong frequently bought beef at markets and owned a dog. Doctor Hu Kai, head of the Infectious Diseases department, stated that Q fever is a rare zoonotic disease. The primary sources of infection are mammals including buffalo, cattle, sheep, dogs, and cats; secondary transmission occurs through tick bites. The disease rarely spreads from person to person.

Q fever typically has an incubation period lasting 2 to 3 weeks, with characteristic symptoms including sudden high fever accompanied by severe headache, muscle pain, and extreme fatigue. Some cases may develop complications such as pneumonia or pleurisy. If not treated promptly, the disease can progress to chronic Q fever after several months, leading to severe damage to multiple organ systems like endocarditis, myocarditis, chronic hepatitis, or osteomyelitis.

However, the public should not be overly concerned, as most infected individuals are asymptomatic or experience only mild symptoms. Currently, Q fever can be effectively treated with specific antibiotics such as doxycycline, tetracycline, or chloramphenicol. If patients are hospitalized early and adhere to the treatment regimen, the prognosis for recovery is generally very good.

Scientists have not yet successfully developed a vaccine for Q fever. Doctors advise the public to adhere to principles of thorough cooking, drinking boiled water, using pasteurized milk, and strictly avoiding uninspected meat. Dog and cat owners should take their pets for regular check-ups, clean up waste, and immediately isolate sick animals. Individuals working in abattoirs or on farms must wear personal protective equipment. When outdoors, people should wear long-sleeved clothing, apply insect repellent, and avoid lying on grass to prevent tick bites. Doctors also urge people to seek medical attention immediately if they experience unexplained high fever.

Binh Minh (According to Sina, Sohu, Sinchew Daily)