Some of World’s Largest Legionella and Q Fever Outbreaks in a Small Country: Co-Incidence?

Michael Naafs, A. B.

Department of Medicine, Naafs International Health Consultancy, Netherlands

Dr. Michael Naafs, A. B., Department of Medicine, Naafs International Health Consultancy, Netherlands.

Keywords: Legionnaires’ Disease; Q Fever; Bio-industry; Foodborne Outbreaks

Abstract

The Netherlands faced one of the largest Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks and the largest Q fever outbreak in the world in the last two decades. Historical perspectives show that an organization model in which Public Health is placed under the supervision of the Agriculture Ministry results in economics and politics prevailing over fighting infectious disease. The consequences were dramatic. It is concluded that awareness, commitment and primary mandatory power of the Public Health department are essential to fighting infectious disease effectively.

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