Prolonged weakness, night sweats, and joint aches — many people dismiss these symptoms as simple fatigue or a lingering cold. However, they could signal a far more serious threat. Infectious disease specialist Saule Syrgabayeva explains, as reported by infohub.kz.
"Brucellosis is an infectious disease that people contract from infected animals or animal products. It's especially important to keep in mind if you consume unpasteurized milk, homemade cheese, or other dairy products, or if you work with farm animals," she wrote on her social media page.
What symptoms should raise concern? According to the doctor, you should be alert to prolonged or recurring fever, heavy sweating (especially at night), pronounced weakness and fatigue, as well as headache, muscle and joint pain. Additionally, there may be a loss of appetite and weight loss.
"The insidiousness of brucellosis lies in the fact that its symptoms can be mild and resemble many other diseases. Moreover, the infection can affect the joints and spine, the nervous system, the heart, the liver, the spleen, and the genitourinary system," the doctor notes.
Self-medication is not advisable. The infectious disease specialist emphasizes that diagnosis should be made by a physician, taking into account symptoms, epidemiological history, and laboratory tests. "Brucellosis is treated with antibiotics, but the regimens are long and require proper selection by a doctor. Therefore, you should not start treatment on your own," she explains.
How to protect yourself? Syrgabayeva notes that prevention is very simple. Choose pasteurized milk and dairy products, and when working with animals, be sure to use protective equipment. Also, follow proper handling procedures for meat and animal tissues.