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ANP Productions | Bron: ANP
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Rotterdam
Years after the outbreak of the Q fever epidemic (2007-2010), many Q fever patients still struggle with physical complaints and other problems. This emerges from a study by Erasmus MC among nearly 450 patients who have Q fever fatigue syndrome (QVS). Just like with long-term Covid, this concerns a pattern of complaints after an infection with an animal bacteria or virus (zoonosis).
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The research shows that QVS patients have various physical complaints more than ten years after the infection. The most common complaints are fatigue, concentration problems and physical exhaustion. This has major consequences for their quality of life, the researchers report. For example, 46 percent had to stop working completely and 33 percent started working less.
Due to the fatigue, the patients also have little energy for family, friends and hobbies. In addition, only 17 percent expect QVS complaints to decrease in the future.
little understanding
Furthermore, the patients in society experience little understanding for their situation. Only 44 percent dare to ask for help and 53 percent think it is not clear who they can turn to for help.
Erasmus MC carried out the research on behalf of Q-support, an organization that specializes in aftercare for patients with Q fever. Q-support works on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.
Q fever is an infectious disease that can be passed from animals to humans. In the Netherlands, infected goats and sheep are the source of the disease in humans. Most people get Q fever from breathing air that contains the bacteria.
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