17886 Brucellosis
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Brucellosis is a bacterial infection that people can catch from infected animals or contaminated animal products. It often causes flu-like symptoms, such as fever, sweats, and fatigue, and can sometimes become a long-term illness.
Key facts
- Brucellosis is spread mainly through unpasteurized dairy products or direct contact with infected animals.
- Early treatment with antibiotics can cure most people within a few weeks, though some symptoms may last longer.
- It is rare in many developed countries but still occurs in parts of the Mediterranean, Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
In the UK and many other high-income countries, brucellosis is very rare. It is more common in regions where livestock are not routinely vaccinated and where unpasteurized milk is consumed.
People who work closely with livestock, such as farmers, veterinarians, slaughterhouse workers, and hunters, are at higher risk. Anyone who drinks unpasteurized milk or eats unpasteurized cheese from affected areas can also become infected.
Symptoms
- Trouble breathing or chest pain
- Sudden weakness, confusion, or difficulty speaking
- A seizure
- A very high fever with a stiff neck that makes it painful to touch your chin to your chest
- ⚠High fever with shaking chills that does not improve
- ⚠Severe headache that is not relieved by simple pain relief
- ⚠Swelling or severe pain in a joint that prevents you from moving it
- ⚠Extreme fatigue that makes it hard to get out of bed
Common symptoms
- Fever that comes and goes, sometimes high in the evening
- Drenching sweats with a strange smell
- Extreme tiredness that does not improve with rest
- Joint and muscle aches, especially in the back, hips, and knees
- Headache
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
Causes
Main causes
- Infection with Brucella bacteria
- Drinking unpasteurized milk or eating unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk or soft cheese
- Touching infected animals or their blood, urine, or birth fluids
- Breathing in bacteria from the air in barns, pens, or laboratories (less common)
Risk factors
- Working with livestock such as cattle, goats, sheep, or pigs
- Being a farmer, veterinarian, slaughterhouse worker, or hunter
- Handling wild animal carcasses or remains
- Living in or traveling to regions where brucellosis is common
- Consuming raw dairy products from high-risk areas
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- High fever that is not improving after a few days
- Severe headache with stiff neck and sensitivity to light
- Pain or swelling in a joint that makes it hard to move
- Extreme fatigue that makes daily tasks unbearable
Book a routine appointment if:
- Fever, sweats, or fatigue that lasts more than a week without a clear cause
- Unexplained joint or back pain
- Recently traveled to a high-risk area or had contact with animals
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, past travel, and any contact with animals or unpasteurized dairy. They will also examine you and look for signs like fever, enlarged liver or spleen, or joint swelling.
Tests that may be done
- Blood tests to see if your body is making antibodies against Brucella bacteria
- Blood culture, where a sample of blood is kept in a lab to grow the bacteria
- Sometimes a sample of bone marrow or spinal fluid if the infection has spread
- Imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans if joints or organs are affected
What to expect at your appointment
Getting a diagnosis can take a little time because the bacteria grow slowly and symptoms may come and go. You may need more than one blood test. If you are diagnosed, your doctor will explain your treatment plan and arrange follow-up to make sure the infection clears.
Treatment
Brucellosis is treated with a combination of antibiotics. Treatment usually lasts for several weeks, and it is important to finish the entire course even if you start feeling better. With proper treatment, most people recover completely, though some are treated for a longer time if symptoms persist.
Self-care at home
- Rest as much as possible, especially during fever episodes
- Drink extra fluids like water and broths to stay hydrated
- Ask your pharmacist about safe options for reducing fever and pain
- Avoid alcohol, as it can make liver involvement worse
- Wash your hands often, especially after touching animals
Medical treatments
Your doctor will prescribe a combination of antibiotics that you will need to take every day for several weeks. It is important to take them exactly as prescribed, even after you feel better. In some cases, you may need to take the medicines for a longer time, especially if the infection has affected your bones, joints, or heart. Always consult your doctor before starting any new medicine.
Living with this condition
Most people feel much better within a few weeks of starting treatment, but it can take months to regain your normal energy. It is important to rest when you need to and gradually increase your activity. You may need to stay away from work, school, or heavy exercise until your doctor says it is safe.
Lifestyle tips
- Take your antibiotics every day at the same time
- Keep a symptom diary to notice patterns in your fever and pain
- Avoid raw dairy and undercooked meat until you are fully recovered
- Tell family members if you handle animals, so they watch for symptoms too
- Wear gloves and protective clothing when working with animals
Diet and exercise
Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods to help your body fight infection. Gentle exercise, like short walks or stretching, can help as you recover, but avoid intense workouts until your energy and joint pain have improved.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Living with brucellosis can be frustrating, especially if fatigue and joint pain linger. It is normal to feel anxious or low while you are sick. Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling, and reach out to family and friends for support. If you are struggling emotionally, consider speaking with a counsellor or therapist.
Prevention
Yes, brucellosis can be prevented by avoiding unpasteurized dairy products, and by using protective measures when handling animals. Livestock vaccination and good farm hygiene greatly reduce the risk.
Complications
If left untreated
- Long-term intermittent fever and fatigue
- Joint and bone infections, causing pain and stiffness, especially in the spine
- Inflammation of the heart valves, called endocarditis
- Swelling of the liver and spleen
- Rarely, infection in the brain or nervous system
Long-term outlook
With prompt diagnosis and proper treatment, most people with brucellosis recover fully. Symptoms can take several weeks or months to clear, but the outlook is good. Even in more complicated cases, treatment is usually effective and can prevent lasting damage.
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Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
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Sources and guidance
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 31, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.