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Brucellosis
(undulant fever, Bang's disease)
What is brucellosis?
Brucellosis is a bacterial disease that may affect various organs
of the body.
Who gets brucellosis?
Everyone is susceptible to the bacteria and may get the disease if
exposed. It is more likely to be found in people associated with livestock.
How is brucellosis spread?
The bacteria that causes this disease are found in unpasteurized milk
from diseased cows and also from discharges from cattle or goats that
abort their fetus. It is unlikely that this disease would be spread
from person to person.
What are the symptoms of brucellosis?
Symptoms of brucellosis include intermittent or irregular fever of
variable duration, headache, weakness, profuse sweating, chills, weight
loss and generalized aching.
How soon do symptoms appear?
The time period is highly variable, but symptoms usually appear within
five to 30 days.
Does past infection with brucellosis make a person immune?
It is unlikely that an individual will be reinfected.
What is the treatment for brucellosis?
Tetracycline or tetracycline plus streptomycin is the treatment of
choice. Early diagnosis leading to prompt treatment is essential to
prevent chronic infection.
What can be done to prevent the spread of brucellosis?
The use of pasteurized milk and prevention of contact with infected
cattle, sheep or goats will reduce the risk of infection.
Updated: April 1996
Source: NY State Department of Health
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