First-Ever Q Fever Cases Confirmed in Libyan Sheep

​The National Centre for Research on Tropical and Transboundary Diseases has confirmed two instances of Q Fever within sheep flocks, marking the first documented detection of this zoonotic disease in Libya.
​In response to this development, the National Centre strongly urged livestock breeders and the general public to exercise extreme caution and to avoid all direct contact with sick animals. The Centre also announced that necessary prevention and control measures would be initiated immediately, following the completion of full laboratory analysis of the samples and coordination with relevant official bodies.
​Q Fever, caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, is known to pose a particular risk to pregnant women, with the potential for serious complications that could harm the foetus. The disease typically transmits to humans through the inhalation of dust contaminated by the waste products of infected animals.
​Regarding health risks, the Centre noted that in humans, the illness can manifest with symptoms including fever, headaches, and coughing, alongside muscle and joint pain. In infected animals, the disease may present as abortion or inflammation of the uterus and udder