5 Facts of Brucellosis, a Bacterial Infection That Affects More Than 3,000 People in China

Regarding brucellosis that is endemic in China, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has an overview of the infection.

1. Infectious disease

Brucellosis is a contagious disease caused by bacteria. A person can catch the disease when they come in contact with infected animals or animal products that are contaminated with bacteria.

The animals most frequently infected with the brucella bacteria include sheep, cattle, goats, pigs and dogs.

2. Symptoms persist for a long time

Symptoms of infection with Brucellosis may appear for a long time. However, initial symptoms can include fever, sweating, malaise, anorexia, headache, pain in muscles, joints or back.

Some symptoms can last for a longer period of time. Symptoms that can occur include recurrent fever, arthritis, swelling of the testicles and scrotal area.

Then swelling of the heart (endocarditis), neurological symptoms (up to 5 percent of all cases), fatigue, depression, swelling of the liver or spleen.

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