A Q fever outbreak among visitors to a natural cave, Bizkaia, Spain, December 2020 to October 2021

Abstract

We describe a large Q fever outbreak reported in Spain, including 108 cases, 53 with pneumonia and 27 requiring hospitalisations. The first cases were detected in February 2021 among rock climbers visiting a cave in Bizkaia, and the last case was detected in October 2021. Most cases were notified after the Easter holiday (April-May 2021). More males (63.9%) than females (36.1%) were infected (median ages: 42 (1-68) and 39 years (6-61), respectively). We detected Coxiella burnetii by PCR in faecal, dust and/or aerosol samples taken inside the cave in March 2021, and in dust and aerosol samples collected between March 2021 and February 2023. Coxiella burnetii from dust samples were cultured on Vero cells, showing viability for 24 months. Based on serological and genotyping data, goats sheltering in the cave were the most likely source of infection. The cave was closed on 29 April 2021, movements of goats and sheep in the area were restricted (March-July 2021), and the animals were vaccinated in October 2021. Investigation of Q fever outbreaks requires a multidisciplinary One Health approach as these outbreaks can occur in unexpected places like natural sites where animals are present.

Keywords: Coxiella burnetii; Q fever; genotyping; natural caves; outbreak; small ruminants; viability.

Figure 1

Illustration of the natural cave linked to the Q fever outbreak, Bizkaia, Basque Country, Spain, December 2020–October 2021

Figure 2

Timeline of case notifications, animal and environmental sampling, and control measures taken in a Q fever outbreak, Bizkaia, Spain, December 2020–October 2021 (n = 108 cases)