A retrospective study of Q fever for epidemiological aspects in Korea, 2006-2010

This study focuses on a quantitative analysis of the retrospective study of Q fever for epidemiological aspects in Korea during the period from 2006 to 2010. There were a total of 64 cases with an average prevalence rate of 0.26 per 100,000 populations. Significantly more males were infected by Q fever than females (85.9% versus 14.1%) (p<0.01), and a higher incidence of Q fever were observed in those age more than 40 years old (71.9%) (p<0.01), and the occupations most infected were farmers (10.9%). Moreover, the seasonal pattern of outbreaks revealed that most outbreaks occurred in the early spring throughout the beginning of summer, and that significant more outbreaks occurred in the northwestern parts (42.2%) than other areas in the Korean peninsula (p<0.01). Furthermore, the number of cases of Q fever was significantly higher in rural areas (65.6%) than in urban (34.4%), (p<0.01). In conclusion, Q fever in Korea is a new emerging zoonosis, a serious concerned to the public health. Therefore, the development a health education system for Q fever prevention and improvement of the living environment will aid in reducing from animal reservoirs.