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Brucellosis
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Causative agent
Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria of the genus Brucella. These bacteria primarily affect animals such as sheep, goats, pigs and cattle. People occupationally exposed to animals or their tissues – such as farm or slaughterhouse workers and veterinarians, are relatively at high risk. In Hong Kong, brucellosis is a notifiable occupational disease.
Clinical features
The symptoms of brucellosis are nonspecific. It usually presents like an influenza with fever, sweats, headaches, back pain, and physical weakness. Severe infections may affect the brain, the heart, the skin, any organs or body systems. The disease may progress to a chronic one and persist for years.
Mode of transmission
Brucellosis can be transmitted to humans from infected animals or contaminated animal products in the following main ways:
- Consume contaminated products, including unpasteurised dairy products, raw or undercooked meat or internal organs
- Contact through breaks in the skin with infected animal tissues, blood, urine, vaginal discharges, aborted fetuses, and placentas
- Inhale contaminated aerosols
Direct human-to-human spread is rare.
Incubation period
The incubation period is variable. Usually 5 - 60 days, but can be as long as several months.
Management
Brucellosis can be treated by antibiotics. The treatment may last for weeks.
Prevention
Vaccine is available for animals but not for humans. To prevent the infection, public are urged to observe good personal and food hygiene:
- Do not consume unpasteurised dairy products, raw or undercooked meat and internal organs.
- Wash hands with liquid soap and water after having contacts with animals or their secretions.
- Cover wounds properly.
- Wear appropriate protective gears, e.g. gloves when handling animal tissues or internal organs especially for those who are exposed occupationally.
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