Q fever in Croatia: war-induced changes in epidemiological characteristics.

The article describes the epidemiological characteristics of Q fever in Croatia, during the period before and after the Homeland War. In the ten years prior to the Homeland War (1983-1992) 1053 cases of Q fever were recorded, 16.2% (171) of which on islands and in coastal areas. In the period after the Homeland War (1995-2008), a total of 654 cases was recorded, 59.9% (392) of which on islands and in coastal areas. In addition to reduced incidence, geographic distribution of the disease also changed. Before the war, the highest morbidity rate was recorded in the Sisak-Moslavina County. After the war, the Split-Dalmatia County recorded the highest morbidity rate because in the post-war period sheep from Bosnia and Herzegovina went to this county for winter grazing. The disease might be relevant to the Croatian Army and other armed forces that stay in Croatia as part of NATO forces.