Brucellosis

Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria of the genus Brucella. Various Brucella species affect sheep, goats, cattle, deer, elk, pigs, dogs, and several other animals. Humans become infected as a result of contact with animals or animal products that are contaminated with these bacteria.

Humans are generally infected in one of three ways: eating or drinking something that is contaminated with Brucella, breathing in the organism, or having the bacteria enter the body through skin wounds. The most common way to be infected is by eating or drinking contaminated milk products (unpasteurized milk).

The symptoms may be flulike. Other symptoms may include:

• fever
• sweats
• headache
• weakness

In some instances, brucellosis can cause long term symptoms such as recurrent fevers, pain in the joints, and fatigue. More severe cases of brucellosis can cause infections of the central nervous system, and infection of the lining of the heart.

Human to human transmission is not very common. However, sexual transmission has been reported. It is possible for a breastfeeding mother to infect her infant.

For additional information visit the Centers for Disease Control.