Brucella in Mass. Man who Drank Raw Milk
An astute doctor recognized that persistent flu like symptoms in a Massachusetts man could be brucellosis, prompting state public health officials to investigate Twin Rivers Farm in Ashley Falls. The patient purchased raw milk from the farm in late December and officials are urging any other customers to discard the product. It is not sold at retail stores.
Brucellosis is an infectious disease primarily from animal to animal, but it can be acquired by humans through consumption of raw milk. The disease can become more serious and infect the central nervous system or organs and can cause long-lasting or chronic symptoms that include recurrent fevers, joint pain, and fatigue.
State epidemiologist Dr. Alfred DeMaria said no other human infections have been reported. Tests for the bacteria brucella in the man who is suspected of having the bug are expected to be complete next week.
Brucellosis is not very common in the United States, where 100 to 200 cases occur each year, but brucellosis can be very common in countries where animal disease control programs have not reduced the amount of disease among animals. The U.S. has worked hard to do that.
