Kazakhstan: 8 human brucellosis cases reported in Kostanay

NewsDesk @bactiman63

So far in 2022, eight human cases of brucellosis have been identified in the region from Kostanay, according to a Kazinform report.

“Every year there are cases of brucellosis. In the first eight months of 2022, eight people fell ill in the region. To date, there are seven more cases than in the same period of 2021. In most cases, the infection occurs in people who care for cattle with brucellosis and as a result of consuming products that have not been treated,” reported the Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control of the region of Kostanay.

The Department noted that sick animals are especially dangerous to people during the calving period. “Infection can also occur when animals are slaughtered, meat is cut, and dairy and meat products from animals are consumed sick.”

The Brucella species are named for their primary hosts: Brucella melitensis is found mostly is goats, sheep and camels, B. abortus is a pathogen of cattle, B. suis is found primarily in swine and B. canis is found in dogs.

The more common ways people get infected with brucellosis include: First, individuals that work with infected animals that have not been vaccinated against brucellosis. This would include farmers, slaughterhouse workers and veterinarians.

They get infected through direct contact or aerosols produced by the infected animal tissue. B. abortus and B. suis are most common.

The second way is through ingesting unpasteurized dairy products.

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Brucellosis is also an occupational hazard to laboratory workers who inappropriately handle specimens or have an accident or spill. Brucella is highly infectious in the aerosolized form.

If someone gets infected with Brucella, the incubation period is about 2-3 weeks, though it could be months. Fever, night sweats, severe headache and body aches and other non-specific symptoms may occur.