Q fever

n. (Medicine) acute infectious disease similar to influenza caused by the rickettsia

Q fever is caused by infection with Coxiella burnetii. This organism is uncommon but may be found in cattle, sheep, goats and other domestic mammals, including cats and dogs. The infection results from inhalation of contaminated particles in the air, and from contact with the vaginal mucus, milk, feces, urine or semen of infected animals. The incubation time is 9-40 days. It is considered possibly the most infectious disease in the world, as a human being can be infected by a single bacterium .
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Q fever is an illness caused by a type of bacteria, Coxiella burnetii, resulting in a fever and rash. Description C. [more]Q fever - Community and Resources

Noun
1. an acute disease resembling influenza
(hypernym) rickettsial disease, rickettsiosis

An acute (abrupt-onset), self-limited febrile illness first reported in 1935 in Queensland, Australia. The Q is said not to be for Queensland, but for Query since the cause of the disease was long a query (question mark). It is now known to be due to Coxiella burnetti, a rickettsia (a peculiar group of bacteria). Aside from sudden onset of fever, there is headache, malaise, and pneumonia (interstitial pneumonitis) but no rash.