Common Illnesses and Diseases While Travelling and Backpacking  

 

Brucellosis

Brucellosis is caused by the bacteria B. abortusD (from cattle), B. melitensis, B.ovis (from sheep, and goats), B. suis (pigs), and rarely B. canis (from dogs). Commonly transmitted through abrasions of the skin from handling infected mammals, or by ingesting contaminated milk and dairy products.

Manifestation:
In the acute form (approx. 8 weeks from illness onset), symptomatic, nonspecific and "flu-like," including:
• Fever
• Sweats
• Malaise
• Anorexia
• Headache
• Myalgia
• Back pain.
In the undulant form (approx. 1 year from illness onset), symptoms include:
• undulant fevers
• arthritis
• orchiepididymitis in males.
• Neurological symptoms may occur acutely in up to 5% of cases.
In the chronic form (>1 year from onset), symptoms may include:
• chronic fatigue syndrome-like
• depressive episodes
• Arthritis.

Diagnosis and treatment: Diagnosis is demonstrated by taking a blood test. Treatment with antibiotics is available.

Prevent Brucellosis by:
• Don’t drink un-pasteurised milk
• Don’t eat dairy products from un-pasteurised milk
• Don’t handle infected mammals.

 

The contents above, from www.bestbackpackersinsurance.co.uk is for information purposes only and cannot substitute for professional health care or any other medical treatment. All users of this website with any health problems should always consult their medical doctor or go directly to a hospital or clinic in their destination before starting any treatment.