Hunters and globetrotters experiencing fever, headache, or joint pain might want to get checked out for a bacterial infection called brucellosis, according to a new paper in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report by researchers with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and their state partners.

The zoonotic disease is caused by bacteria of the Brucella genus. The authors seek to raise awareness of brucellosis, particularly among clinicians, public health workers, and people who engage in activities that put them at higher risk of infection.

From 2010 through 2024, a total of 1,796 confirmed and probable cases of brucellosis were reported to the CDC. The agency's analysis was limited because just over half of the cases lacked supplemental report forms. But based on the available information, people who traveled internationally within the past six months were the most likely to report a brucellosis infection, especially if they ate unpasteurized dairy products or undercooked meat during the trip. Avoiding these foods is the best way to prevent infection. 

Hunting is a common exposure

Among those who did not travel internationally, the most common exposure was the hunting, skinning, or slaughtering of wild animals, including feral swine. To reduce risk, the CDC advises hunters to practice safe field-dressing techniques, such as wearing latex or rubber disposable gloves, using eye protection, and avoiding contact with animal fluids or organs.

The authors also noted that brucellosis symptoms are often nonspecific, “leading to underdiagnosis, underreporting, and delays in treatment.”

“Increasing awareness among providers and health officials, enhancing surveillance at the jurisdictional level, and improving how data are shared with CDC will help increase case ascertainment in the United States, which will guide future epidemiologic investigations and public health responses,” they wrote.

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