Q fever vaccinations urged for high-risk workers after cases rise in south-east Queensland

People working with animals in Wide Bay area at greater risk of contracting disease that can cause severe flu-like illness

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An increase in the number of Q fever cases has prompted calls for residents in the Wide Bay area, in Queensland's south-east, who work with animals to get vaccinated against the bacterial disease that can cause severe flu-like illness.

Queensland Health has been notified of 11 Q fever cases in the region this year, up from the usual three to seven cases identified by the same time in previous years.

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People must be screened and tested before they are vaccinated against Q fever. For more information see http://www.qfever.org/