(T/F) Untreated Q fever has a high mortality rate (>50%)

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Unknown
• D. Not applicable

Answer: (B)

Q fever mortality depends on the form of the infection. Acute Q fever typically presents with fever, pneumonia, or hepatitis and has a low risk of death, even without treatment, with case fatality around about 1–2% or less in most reports. Chronic Q fever, especially endocarditis, can have a much higher mortality if not treated, but that represents a different disease course and a minority of cases. Because the general statement claims a high mortality rate for untreated Q fever overall, it’s not accurate. The typical, untreated acute form does not exceed 50% mortality, so the statement is false.