Information for Public Health Officials

What to know

The general public and healthcare providers should call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) for questions regarding Q fever and other rickettsial diseases. If a consultation with a CDC scientist specializing in rickettsial diseases is advised, your call will be appropriately forwarded.

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For questions about select agent notification

Coxiella burnetii is a select agent subject to the select agent regulations found in 42 CFR Part 73. For questions regarding a suspected select agent event please contact the Federal Select Agent Program, 404-718-2000 (after hours 770-488-7100) or lrsat@cdc.gov. If intentional release is suspected, please contact CDC Emergency Operations Center (770-488-7100) and local law enforcement.

Surveillance case definition

  • Q fever is a nationally notifiable condition, and all Q fever cases should be reported to your state or local health department according to local laws. The case definition can be found here: Q Fever (Coxiella burnetii) 2009 Case Definition | CDC
  • Q fever infections are reported under two distinct reporting categories (acute Q fever and chronic Q fever) as described in the 2009 Q fever surveillance case definition.

Case report form

  • Confirmed and probable cases of Q fever are reported through the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System. States are encouraged to submit additional information using the CDC Q fever Case Report Form (CRF) pdf icon[PDF – 3 pages]. Forms can be faxed to 404-471-2737 or emailed to rzbepidiag@cdc.gov.
  • This form collects additional important information that may not otherwise be reported to CDC, including how the diagnosis was made, and whether the patient was hospitalized or died.
  • If a different state-specific form is already used to collect this information, this information may be submitted to CDC in lieu of a CRF.