Humans generally acquire the disease through direct contact with infected animals, by eating or drinking contaminated animal products or by inhaling airborne agents. Most cases are caused by ingesting unpasteurized milk or cheese from infected goats or sheep.
The disease was described by George Cleghorn, a British army surgeon stationed on Minorca, in his 1751 work Observations on the Epidemical Diseases in Minorca from the Year 1744 to 1749.
People with brucellosis may develop fever, sweats, headaches, back pains, and physical weakness. In severe cases, the central nervous system and the lining of the heart may be affected.
Brucellosis
