Meteorological transmission model calculates the risk of Q fever infections

woensdag 9 september 2015 15:00

Using a meteorological transmission model, humans and animals at risk of becoming infected with Q fever can be mapped at street level resolution. This is demonstrated by the doctoral research by Jeroen van Leuken of the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment RIVM and IRAS (Institute for Risk Assessment Science) of Utrecht University. The source of a Q fever infection (such as a contaminated farm) is considered, in addition to how the bacteria spread in the surrounding area. The transmission depends on weather conditions and environmental factors, such as the amount of vegetation and soil type.