What is brucellosis? Treatment guide for infectious diseases

Learn the essential facts about Brucellosis, a bacterial infection from animals. This guide covers its transmission, key symptoms like undulant fever, and prevention tips.

7 September, 2025

Do you consume unpasteurized dairy or work with livestock? Understanding Brucellosis is not just academic—it's essential for your health. Don't risk a persistent fever; learn the facts now to protect yourself and your family from this serious infection.

What are the main causes of Brucellosis?

  • The primary cause is infection with various strains of Brucella bacteria, which are typically found in animals like cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs.
  • Brucellosis transmission to humans most commonly occurs through the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, especially brucellosis from raw milk and soft cheeses.
  • Direct contact with infected animal tissues or inhaling the bacteria also poses a significant risk, particularly for veterinarians, farmers, and slaughterhouse workers.
A medical chart listing key brucellosis symptoms

Key symptoms of Brucellosis to watch for

  • A key indicator among brucellosis symptoms is a recurring or undulant fever that rises and falls over weeks, often accompanied by profuse night sweats.
  • Patients frequently experience debilitating fatigue, headaches, severe joint and muscle pain, and a significant loss of appetite, which may lead to weight loss.
  • If it develops into chronic brucellosis, the long-term effects of brucellosis can include arthritis, organ swelling, and persistent fatigue lasting for years.

How can you prevent Brucellosis effectively?

  • The most crucial step on how to prevent brucellosis is to avoid all raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products; always choose pasteurized options.
  • Individuals working with animals should wear protective gear like gloves and goggles and practice excellent personal hygiene to prevent exposure to infected tissues.
  • Vaccinating livestock helps control brucellosis in animals, effectively reducing the primary source of the bacteria and protecting the human population.

>>> See more: Toxoplasmosis: Risks During Pregnancy and Prevention

Recognizing the warning signs of Brucellosis  through images 

The risk of brucellosis from raw milk products
A diagram illustrating brucellosis transmission routes
A temperature graph showing patterns of undulant fever
An infographic answering what is brucellosis
A guide to the standard treatment for brucellosis
A microscopic view of the Brucella bacteria

>>> Learn now: West Nile Virus Infection: Symptoms and Prevention Tips

Brucellosis is a serious but treatable disease. An accurate brucellosis diagnosis followed by a specific course of antibiotics for brucellosis is critical for recovery. If you suspect exposure or have symptoms, seek immediate medical attention for proper testing and treatment.

>>> Read more here: Gastrointestinal Anthrax: Causes and Symptoms