Which statement about untreated Q fever is accurate?

Which statement about untreated Q fever is accurate?

• A. It has a low mortality rate and most recover in 9-14 days
• B. It has a high mortality rate (>50%)
• C. It always progresses to chronic Q fever
• D. It is rapidly fatal

Answer: (A)

Q fever caused by Coxiella burnetii typically follows an acute course when not treated. Most people experience a febrile, flu-like illness and recover within about one to two weeks, so the mortality is low in uncomplicated cases. While a minority can develop chronic Q fever later—most often endocarditis in people with preexisting heart valve disease or compromised immunity—this is not the typical outcome for the majority, and it does not mean the disease is rapidly fatal or that everyone progresses to chronic infection. Therefore, describing the untreated course as low mortality with most patients recovering in roughly 9–14 days aligns with the common natural history.

Q fever caused by Coxiella burnetii typically follows an acute course when not treated. Most people experience a febrile, flu-like illness and recover within about one to two weeks, so the mortality is low in uncomplicated cases. While a minority can develop chronic Q fever later—most often endocarditis in people with preexisting heart valve disease or compromised immunity—this is not the typical outcome for the majority, and it does not mean the disease is rapidly fatal or that everyone progresses to chronic infection. Therefore, describing the untreated course as low mortality with most patients recovering in roughly 9–14 days aligns with the common natural history.