Public Health Advisory On Brucellosis

20 Jun 2008

1. 2 cases of brucellosis were notified to the Ministry of Health on 9 and 22 April 2008.

2. Epidemiological investigations indicated that the patients contracted the disease after consuming infected un-pasteurised camel milk while on a tour of the Middle East in December 2007. Drinking fresh camel milk is a common feature of tours of the Middle East. Both patients sought treatment here in Singapore and have since recovered.

What is Brucellosis?

3. Brucellosis is a bacterial infection that is transmitted from animals to humans. Animals that can be infected include cows, goats, sheep and camels. In animals the infection can result in spontaneous abortions, changes in lactation, decreased fertility and arthritic joints. Some infected animals may be asymptomatic.

4. The most common mode of transmission of bacteria to humans is through consumption of un-pasteurised milk and dairy products. Occasionally, humans may get infected through breaks in the skin while handling infected meat. Human to human transmission does not occur.

5. High risk areas include South and Central America, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean region (Portugal, Spain, Southern France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, North Africa) and Middle East.

6. The incubation period of brucellosis varies from 5 days to 60 days, occasionally up to 6 months.

Symptoms of Brucellosis in Humans

7. Symptoms in humans include fever, night sweats, loss of weight, loss of appetite, extreme fatigue, headache and joint pains. The fever may be continuous, intermittent or irregular, lasting from weeks, months or even years when not adequately treated.

Prevention of Brucellosis

8. The Ministry would like to advise the public to consume only pasteurised dairy products especially when travelling to high risk areas in South and Central America, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean region (Portugal, Spain, Southern France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, North Africa) and the Middle East. The public is also advised to only buy dairy products from reliable sources and to refrain from consuming raw meat and animal organs when travelling to high risk areas. Travellers with history of exposure should look out for symptoms and seek early medical attention if they become unwell.

9. For further information and clarification of brucellosis, please call the Ministry of Health hotline at 1800-225 4122 or visit the MOH website at www.moh.gov.sg.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

20 JUNE 2008