Contaminated dairy products can damage the liver
- 9 years ago
A type of disease primarily infecting animals may transfer to humans through consumption of contaminated dairy products, experts say.
Brucellosis, a disease caused by bacteria under the genus Brucella, often infects domesticated livestock such cattle, swine, goats, and sheep. But despite primarily affecting animals, the bacteria can potentially infect humans through direct contact with or ingestion of contaminated materials and animal products.
Dairy products such as milk and cheese are known sources of the bacteria as these products are obtained directly from cattle. Animal meat, if not cooked thoroughly, may contain bacteria.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) infected individuals may experience a wide range of symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle and back pain or fatigue. Symptoms of the disease typically last from 5 days to a month.
Experts add, beyond these usual symptoms, brucellosis could pose more harmful risks if not immediately treated.
"Kapag hindi naagapan, pwedeng magka-abcess o infection ng mga organs like the liver, the other type naman could lead to disability (If not immediately treated, a person may suffer having an abscess, or the disease can infect organs like the liver. The other type could even lead to disability)," says microbiologist Dr. Windell Rivera.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says complications brought by brucellosis could be more dangerous because of its ability to affect almost any organ system in the body.
Experts however assure the public that the disease can be treated. According to CDC, generally the antibiotics doxycycline and rifampin are administered. But the public is warned to first consult medical experts.
Beyond merely treating the disease, experts also advise undertaking precautionary measures.
As much as possible, pasteurized milk or cheeses are to be preferred over raw counterparts in order to lessen the possibility of the disease. Further, experts say washing raw me
Brucellosis, a disease caused by bacteria under the genus Brucella, often infects domesticated livestock such cattle, swine, goats, and sheep. But despite primarily affecting animals, the bacteria can potentially infect humans through direct contact with or ingestion of contaminated materials and animal products.
Dairy products such as milk and cheese are known sources of the bacteria as these products are obtained directly from cattle. Animal meat, if not cooked thoroughly, may contain bacteria.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) infected individuals may experience a wide range of symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle and back pain or fatigue. Symptoms of the disease typically last from 5 days to a month.
Experts add, beyond these usual symptoms, brucellosis could pose more harmful risks if not immediately treated.
"Kapag hindi naagapan, pwedeng magka-abcess o infection ng mga organs like the liver, the other type naman could lead to disability (If not immediately treated, a person may suffer having an abscess, or the disease can infect organs like the liver. The other type could even lead to disability)," says microbiologist Dr. Windell Rivera.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says complications brought by brucellosis could be more dangerous because of its ability to affect almost any organ system in the body.
Experts however assure the public that the disease can be treated. According to CDC, generally the antibiotics doxycycline and rifampin are administered. But the public is warned to first consult medical experts.
Beyond merely treating the disease, experts also advise undertaking precautionary measures.
As much as possible, pasteurized milk or cheeses are to be preferred over raw counterparts in order to lessen the possibility of the disease. Further, experts say washing raw me