The airborne bacterium is caught from animals,mainly cattle,goats and sheep,mostly through birthing fluids or blood,with farmers and abattoir workers most at risk,although it can also be carried in dust.
Data from NSW Health showed a significant increase of cases in 2015,with 262 confirmed cases,up from about 180 the previous two years.
Braidwood farmer Owen Gwinn caught Q fever in 2005 and went through 72 hours of hell:high fevers,cold shakes and body aches before the symptoms subsided entirely.
A visit to the doctor proved Mr Gwinn had caught Q fever but he showed none of the residual fatigue symptoms.