ZAGREB, Feb 20 (Hina) - The Croatian Veterinary Institute said on Thursday sheep owners in the village of Gala in Split-Dalmatia County had tested positive for Q fever.
ZAGREB, Feb 20 (Hina) - The Croatian Veterinary Institute said on
Thursday sheep owners in the village of Gala in Split-Dalmatia
County had tested positive for Q fever. #L#
The county Public Health Institute has diagnosed a Q fever epidemic
among people from Gala, the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry said
today.
The ministry and epidemiology services have decided to examine all
sheep, goats and cattle in the area of the Gala and Kruscica
villages. Blood samples of infected animals are being analysed.
Q fever first appeared in Croatia earlier this month, when about 15
people were found to suffer from its symptoms.
Yesterday nine patients with Q fever symptoms were hospitalised at
Zadar's general hospital. These are employees with the Split-based
Kostruktor company who are working on a section of the Zagreb-Split
motorway in the Velebit area.
Currently there are 13 patients with Q fever symptoms in Zadar
general hospital. A total of 23 have been hospitalised there over
the past fortnight, pointing to an epidemic. Another six with
similar symptoms have been hospitalised in Split.
Q fever is a contagious disease attacking several species of
domestic and wild animals and humans. In animals its manifestation
is usually latent, while in humans it includes symptoms of atypical
pneumonia. It is transmitted by lice, mite and ticks.
(hina) ha sb