Brucellosis

Why in news?

• Instances of Brucellosis has been discovered in Kerala.

What is brucellosis?

• Brucellosis is a disease caused by a group of bacteria from the genus Brucella and can infect both humans and animals.
• Brucellosis is often spread when people eat contaminated food, which may include raw meat and unpasteurized milk.
• The bacteria can also be spread through the air or contact with an open wound.
• A variety of animals can contract brucellosis, including goats, sheep, pigs , cattle, dogs etc
• Humans can get infected if they come in direct contact with infected animals or by eating or drinking contaminated animal products or by inhaling airborne agents.
• According to the WHO, most cases of the disease are caused by ingesting unpasteurised milk or cheese from infected goats or sheep.
• Symptoms of the disease include fever, sweats, malaise, anorexia, headache and muscle pain.

Prelims Question

Consider the following statements regarding Brucellosis:
1.It can infect both humans and animals.
2.It is caused by a virus.
Choose the correct statements from the codes given below:
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to Prelims question