What preventive measure is crucial to avoid infection from Coxiella burnetii?

To prevent infection from Coxiella burnetii, which is the causative agent of Q fever, consuming only pasteurized dairy products is essential. This bacterium is predominantly associated with unpasteurized milk and dairy products, as it can survive in these items without proper treatment. Pasteurization effectively kills harmful pathogens, including Coxiella burnetii, thus significantly reducing the risk of infection.

While washing hands frequently, avoiding undercooked meats, and keeping food refrigerated are important general food safety practices, they do not specifically target the transmission routes associated with Coxiella burnetii. Hand hygiene and proper food handling can prevent a variety of foodborne illnesses, but for Q fever specifically, focusing on the consumption of pasteurized dairy is key to prevention.