What is Brucellosis?

Brucellosis is a systemic illness that may affect various organs of the body. It is caused by the bacterium, Brucella. Brucellosis occurs worldwide, and the source of the infection and the responsible species of Brucella vary according to geographic region.

Who gets Brucellosis?

Brucellosis is predominantly an occupational disease of those working with infected animals or their tissues, especially farm workers, veterinarians and slaughterhouse workers. Sporadic cases and outbreaks of brucellosis occur among consumers of raw (unpasteurized) milk, and milk products (especially unpasteurized soft cheese) from infected cows, sheep and goats.

How is Brucellosis spread?

A person can get brucellosis by drinking unpasteurized milk from infected animals, usually cows. One can also get it from direct contact with, or by breathing in airborne particles from, the urine, feces, or tissues (including aborted fetuses) of infected cattle, sheep, swine, goats, and dogs.

What are the symptoms of Brucellosis?

The symptoms of brucellosis include intermittent or irregular fever, profuse sweating, chills, excessive fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, headache, generalized aching and joint pain.

How soon do symptoms occur?

The time period is highly variable, but symptoms usually begin 1 to 2 months after exposure to the bacteria. The onset of symptoms can range from 5 to 60 days.

How is Brucellosis diagnosed?

Brucellosis is diagnosed either by identifying the Brucella bacterium in a culture taken from an appropriate specimen, such as blood, or by a variety of serologic blood tests.

What is the treatment for Brucellosis?

Early diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent chronic infection with brucellosis. A doctor can prescribe the appropriate medications to treat the infection.

How long is an infected person infectious to others?

Brucellosis is not spread from person-to-person.

Should an infected person be excluded from work or school?

Because brucellosis is not spread from person-to-person, an infected person need not be excluded from work or school.

How can Brucellosis be prevented?

• Don't drink raw or unpasteurized milk.
• Don't eat dairy products, including cheese, made from unpasteurized milk
• Avoid contact with tissues, blood, urine, and aborted fetuses from infected animals.

More about Brucellosis

• Surveillance Case Definitions