Symptoms of brucellosis include intermittent or irregular fever of variable duration, headache, weakness, profuse sweating, chills, weight loss and generalized aching. The disease may last for several days, months, or occasionally for a year or more, if not adequately treated. The time period is highly variable, but symptoms usually appear within five to 60 days. Some persons infected years ago will have continuing symptoms. It is not know if past infection with Brucellosis can make a person immune.
Early diagnosis leading to prompt treatment is essential to prevent chronic infection.
Specific antibiotics which require a physicians prescription are used to treat brucellosis. The use of pasteurized milk and prevention of contact with infected game, sheep or goats will reduce the risk of infection. Workers who come in contact with carcasses, aborted fetuses, organs or body fluids or potentially infected cattle, swine, dogs, coyotes or elk should wear protective clothing and practice good hygiene. Herds of cattle and swine can be tested for infection.