Muscat: Oman’s Ministry of Health has raised an alert concerning Brucellosis, a bacterial infection that can be transmitted from animals to humans. The disease, caused by different types of Brucella bacteria, can infect animals such as goats, sheep, cows, pigs, and dogs, posing a significant health risk to humans.

Brucellosis can be contracted directly by consuming cheese, milk, or dairy products from infected animals that have not been properly cooked, boiled, or pasteurized. This is the most common route of infection. Indirect transmission can occur by inhaling the bacteria, a risk particularly present in barns, stables, laboratories, and slaughterhouses where preventive measures are not strictly followed.

Brucellosis can manifest through various symptoms, some of which can persist for extended periods. Initial symptoms include fever, muscle, joint, and back pain, fatigue, lethargy, chills, loss of appetite, and headaches. The Ministry advises anyone experiencing these symptoms to visit the nearest health institution, consult a doctor, and disclose any potential exposure to the disease.

Treatment for Brucellosis focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. The duration and type of treatment depend on the severity of the disease and any complications present. Recovery can take a few weeks to several months, necessitating a course of antibiotics for at least six weeks.

The Ministry of Health emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment to manage the disease effectively and urges the public to avoid consuming unpasteurized dairy products and to take precautions when in contact with potentially infected animals.