At least 22 people in the French Alps have been infected by Q fever, a flu-like illness that usually affects livestock, French health officials said Friday. Nearly 80 cases were suspected.

The outbreak was detected in the Chamonix valley, a popular ski area, the Health Ministry said in a statement. Most of the confirmed cases were found in residents of the town of Chamonix.

Q fever, which causes aches, nausea and fevers, can be treated and cured with antibiotics. It primarily infects cattle, sheep and goats. Humans contract it by breathing in contaminated dust or eating contaminated animal products. It does not spread from person to person.

The Foreign Ministry asked the region's pregnant women, people with heart valve problems and those with weakened immune systems to consult their doctors for a blood test. Those vulnerable can develop chronic cases, and pregnant women may risk losing their babies.

Mail this page to a friend
What do you think? Tell us on the Message Boards