Brucellosis
Alternative names:
rock fever; cyprus fever; undulant fever; Gibraltar fever;
Malta fever
Definition:
A disease caused by contact with farm animals carrying the
Brucella bacteria.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Brucella bacteria infect cattle, goats, dogs, and pigs.
Transmission of the disease to humans occurs by contact with
infected meat, placenta of infected animals, or ingestion
of unpasteurized milk or cheese. The illness may be chronic
and persist for years. Brucellosis is rare in the United States,
except in the western states and in visitors or immigrants
from countries where it is prevalent (Spain, Mexico, South
America). From 100 to 200 cases occur in the United States
each year. People working in occupations requiring frequent
contact with animals or meat, such as slaughterhouse workers,
farmers, and veterinarians, are at high risk.
Acute brucellosis may
begin with mild flu-like
symptoms or with fever,
chills, sweating, muscle aches (myalgia), joint aches (arthralgia)
and malaise. Characteristically, fever spikes every afternoon
to levels around 104. "Undulant" fever derives its name from
this undulating or up-and-down fever.
Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director,
Utah Health Informatics and adam.com
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