Brucellosis

What is it? A multi-system disease caused by bacterial infection mostly affecting animals but can cross over to humans, causing fever and malaise which may last for months. How is it transmitted? Direct contact with infected animals or by consuming unpasteurised (raw) milk or cheese. Where is it present? Worldwide in animals; human infections most common in the Mediterranean (hence an alternate name for the disease: Malta disease) and developing countries. Level of risk? Low. What can I do to prevent getting it? Avoid consuming unpasteurised dairy products. Treatment? Combination therapy with doxycycline for 45 days and streptomycin for 14 days.