Brucellosis is a bacterial infection caused by bacteria of the Brucella genus. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it spreads from animals to humans, primarily affecting those in contact with infected livestock or consuming unpasteurized dairy products, especially in regions with endemic animal brucellosis.
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Brucellosis, historically known as Malta fever or Mediterranean fever, was first clearly described among British soldiers on Malta in the mid-19th century. In 1887, Scottish physician *Sir David Bruce* isolated the causative bacterium, later named *Brucella melitensis*, highlighting its link to contaminated goat milk and its zoonotic nature.
Brucellosis primarily spreads from infected animals (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, dogs) to humans. The main routes include *consuming unpasteurized dairy products* or undercooked meat from infected animals. Direct contact with infected animal tissues, fluids (e.g., during slaughter, veterinary work), or inhalation of aerosols in contaminated environments are also significant pathways. Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare.
Contagious Period: Varies by disease
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This event envelope contains reports on brucellosis in the US.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Kenya has long lived in the shadow of two zoonotic diseases that strike both livestock and people: Rift Valley Fever (RVF) and human brucellosis. These illnesses deepen poverty, disrupt ranching and farming communities, and impose a heavy toll on the country's economy. Rift Valley Fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease that primarily affects sheep, goats, cattle and camels, while also infecting humans. In Kenya, major outbreaks followed unusual heavy rainfall and flooding that triggered mosquito swarms, creating ideal conditions for virus transmission across animals and humans. Clinically, most human infections start with a flu-like fever and muscle pain. A small percentage progress to haemorrhagic fever (bleeding disorders), encephalitis (brain inflammation), or ocular disease (eye infec...
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With enhanced surveillance, testing, and response frameworks, Kenya is better positioned to prevent the loss from RVF and brucellosis outbreaks. Kenya has taken a significant step in strengthening its public health system with the launch of a new Rift Valley Fever (RVF) Contingency Plan and Human Brucellosis Testing Guidelines. The initiative aims to enhance early detection, standardise diagnostic procedures, and promote a coordinated One Health response to zoonotic diseases that threaten both human and animal populations. The launch, presided over by principal secretary Mary Muthoni, underscores the government's commitment to protecting communities in pastoralist and high-risk regions, where recurrent RVF and brucellosis outbreaks have historically posed major health and economic challeng...
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View WHO Resources →Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-03
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