Brucellosis

About Brucellosis

Brucellosis is caused by bacteria from the Brucella species. The most common species seen in Los Angeles County is Brucella melitensis. A small number of cases are reported in Los Angeles County each year, and many are linked to exposures in other countries. This bacterium is carried by animals such as cows, goats, and sometimes dogs.

Brucellosis spreads through contact with infected animal body fluids or by consuming unpasteurized (raw) milk products. Unpasteurized means the milk has not been heated to make it safe by removing harmful germs. People who work with farm animals, such as veterinarians, or in slaughterhouses are at higher risk.

Transmission

You can get the disease when you come in contact with infected animals or animal products contaminated with the bacteria. People can get brucellosis by:

• Eating undercooked meat (such as beef, goat, or lamb)
• Eating wild game that is not fully cooked (such as deer or wild hog)
• Drinking unpasteurized milk or eating foods made from it, like some cheeses
• Touching infected animals or their body fluids (like blood)
• Handling raw meat or animal parts after hunting

Early Symptoms of Brucellosis

• Fever
• Sweating
• Generally feeling badly (malaise)
• Not wanting to eat (anorexia)
• Headache
• Pain in muscles, joint, and/or back
• Feeling more tired than usual (fatigue)

Other symptoms may continue or may come and go until you've had treatment, including:

• Fevers that keep coming back
• Arthritis
• Swelling of the testicles and scrotum area
• Infection of the heart (endocarditis)
• Memory loss, confusion, and irritability
• Depression
• Swelling of the liver and/or spleen

Prevention

The best way to prevent brucellosis infection is to be sure you don't eat or drink the following animal products:

• Undercooked meat
• Unpasteurized dairy products, including milk, cheese, and ice cream

If you are not sure if a dairy product is pasteurized, do not eat or drink it.

Many cases reported in Los Angeles County are linked to travel to Mexico, where unpasteurized dairy products were consumed. Do not consume unpasteurized milk products at home or while traveling.

Treatment and Recovery

After your healthcare provider confirms that you have brucellosis with a test, you can start treatment with antibiotics.

Your doctor will decide which antibiotics are best for you. Treatment usually lasts 6 to 8 weeks. To make sure you get the right medicine, tell your provider if you:

• Are pregnant
• Are allergic to doxycycline or rifampin
• Have a weakened immune system due to a health condition or medication

If not treated properly, the infection can last a long time and cause other health problems. Recovery can take a few weeks to several months. Death from brucellosis is rare.

News and Updates

• LAC DPH Health Advisory: Cluster of Brucella melitensis (Brucellosis) Infections Linked to Raw Dairy Consumption PDF | Web/Mobile (5-5-26)