Reporting and In-Depth Information

How to Contact the Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch at CDC

The general public and healthcare providers should first call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) with 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.

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. As of January 1, 2009, Q fever infections are reported under distinct reporting categories (acute and chronic Q fever) described in the 2009 Q fever surveillance case definition.

2009 Q Fever Case Definition

Case Definition

For confirmed and probable cases of Q fever that have been identified and reported through the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System, states are also encouraged to submit additional information using the CDC Case Report Form (CRF). This form collects additional important information that may not otherwise be reported to CDC, such as information on 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.

2010 CDC Case Report Form [PDF – 3 pages]

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How to Submit Specimens to CDC for Testing

Serum antibody tests for Q fever are available through some commercial and state public health labs. Whenever possible samples should be submitted to these parties for routine diagnostic testing. However, if state or commercial options are not available, or if further testing is required for confirmation, specimens may be submitted to the CDC for IFA, IHC, or PCR testing. Private citizens may not directly submit specimens to CDC for testing. If you feel that diagnostic testing is necessary, consult your healthcare provider or state health department.

State Health Departments

State health departments and state public health laboratories may submit specimens to the CDC for Q fever testing. To coordinate specimen submission, please call 404-639-1075 during business hours (8:00 – 4:30 EST).

U.S. Healthcare Providers

U.S. healthcare providers should not submit specimens for testing directly to CDC. CDC policy requires that specimens be submitted through or with the approval of the state health department. Please contact your state health department who will assist you with specimen submission and reporting of an infected patient. For general questions about Q fever or other rickettsial diseases, please call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636). If you have questions about a suspect case, please first consult your state health department. Healthcare providers requiring an epidemiologic consultation on rickettsial diseases may also call 404-639-1075 during business hours (8:00 – 4:30 EST) or 770-488-7100 after hours.

Non-U.S. Healthcare Providers

Non-U.S. healthcare providers should consult CDC prior to submitting specimens for testing. For general questions about Q fever, please call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636). If you would like to discuss a suspect rickettsial case with CDC, please call 404-639-1075 during business hours (8:00 – 4:30 EST) or 770-488-7100 after hours.

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