Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria called brucella. There are several strains of brucella bacteria occurring in cows, dogs, pigs, sheep, goats and camels which could be spread to humans.
Brucellosis in humans occurs when a person comes into contact with an animal or animal product infected with the brucella bacteria.
It is worthy to note that brucella in animals cannot be cured although there are vaccines against brucellosis which are effective for cattle, sheep and goats. However there is no vaccine available for humans.
www.webmd.com reports that brucellosis is considered a significant health threat in some parts of the world. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that brucellosis was reported in more than a half-million people each year in 100 countries.
It is uncommon and very rare for the bacteria to spread from person to person but could be spread to babies via breastfeeding by infected mothers and also through sexual contact.
Other ways of getting infected by the disease is by eating or drinking contaminated food or drink, such as unpasteurised milk or undercooked meat or by travelling to areas where brucellosis is common.
Persons that work in meat-processing plant or slaughterhouses are also at risk of getting infected with the disease. It can also infect humans through cuts in the skin, through mucous membranes or by inhalation.
General symptoms of brucellosis are often imprecise and similar to the flu and typically appear within five to 30 days after contact with the bacteria.
Meanwhile, www.medicinenet.com reports that in general, the prognosis for patients infected with brucella is very good.
Prevention of brucellosis is possible by avoiding contact with infected animals and consumption or unpasteurised milk and cheese products. Where contact is necessary with infected animals, gloves and facemask should be worn to reduce the risk of getting infected.
By Safina Buhari
