Q Fever Rickettsia

Q fever is caused by infection with the rickettsial organism, Coxiella burnetii, and is typically spread by inadvertent aerosolization of organisms from infected animal products, especially the placentas of parturient sheep and goats. Person-to-person transmission is rare. (Note: While Coxiella bur netii is classified in the family Rickettsiaceae, it is not included in the genus Rickettsia and therefore is not a true rickettsia.

Intentional release by belligerents or terrorist...