Emergency Preparedness

Kern Medical Bioterrorism Response Guide Section 2-A-2 – Brucellosis

BRUCELLOSIS – QUICK REFERENCE

Any suspected or confirmed case of brucellosis ( Brucellae species) must be reported to the infection control practitioner ( insert telephone number ] and the local health department [ insert telephone number ] immediately .

Bioterrorism Epidemiology: ? Exposure to 10 – 100 organisms can result in clinical disease ? Brucellosis is not transmitted from person to person ? If Brucellosis is suspected, alert the laboratory 2. Incubation Period: ? Average 5 – 60 days Clinical Disease:

Symptoms are generally non-specific flu-like symptoms including fever (undulant pattern if untreated), headache, myalgias, arthralgias, back pain, sweats, chills, malaise, cough, pleuritic chest pain, anorexia, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Some patients may complain of malodorous sweat and a peculiar taste in mouth. Diagnosis: ? Routine laboratory tests are generally not suggestive of an infectious process. Treatment: (See overview) ? Doxycycline 200 mg/day plus rifampin 600 mg/day PO for six weeks (recommended). ? Doxycycline 200 mg/day plus gentamicin 3 – 5 mg/kg/day IV or IM (3 divided doses) (alternative). Prophylaxis: (See overview) Isolation: ? Standard Precautions

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