A Study of Q Fever in Central Israel

Abstract A patient who lives near an agricultural school was admitted to hospital for Q fever. Pupils and staff at risk, and domestic animals from the school were serologically screened for antibodies against Coxiella burnetii (C.b.). In this group of animals, among the patient's neighbours and among students at risk, as well as in cows and sheep from another agricultural school, antibodies were found in significantly more persons and animals than in human urban control groups and among most inmates of the schools, not at immediate risk. Ecologic and climatologic data support the assumption of airborne transmission of C.b. in the above patient.