Brucellosis (Malta fever)
Brucellosis, also called Malta fever, is a bacterial infection that people catch from animals such as sheep, goats, cows and camels. In Afghanistan it is usually caught by drinking raw milk or eating fresh cheese (panir) made from unboiled milk. It causes a long-lasting fever that comes and goes, and without proper treatment it can affect the joints, spine and other organs for months.
Symptoms
- Fever that comes and goes, often worse in the evening
- Heavy sweating, especially at night
- Joint pain and back pain
- Tiredness and weakness
- Headache
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Pain and swelling of the testicles in men
Causes
- Brucella bacteria from infected sheep, goats, cows or camels
- Drinking raw (unboiled) milk
- Eating fresh cheese, cream or yoghurt made from raw milk
- Touching animal birth fluids, afterbirth or aborted animals with bare hands
- Working with livestock or in slaughterhouses
Prevention
- Always boil milk before drinking it or making yoghurt, cheese or cream
- Avoid fresh cheese made from raw milk
- Wear gloves when helping animals give birth or handling an aborted animal
- Wash hands well after touching animals
- Vaccinate livestock where possible
Treatment
- A combination of antibiotics prescribed by a doctor, usually for at least 6 weeks
- Finish the full course, because stopping early often lets the illness come back
- Blood tests to confirm the diagnosis
- Rest and pain relief for joint pain
- Do not start antibiotics or other prescription medicines without a doctor
Common questions
Is it safe to eat panir and yoghurt?
Yes, if they are made from milk that has been boiled first. Fresh cheese made from raw milk is a common cause of Malta fever in Afghanistan.
Can brucellosis come back?
Yes. If the antibiotic course is too short or is stopped early, the fever can return. Follow the plan from your doctor and go back if symptoms return.