In 2022, 40 new cases of brucellosis were declared in 12 French regions. These new cases suggest continued vigilance to avoid a resurgence of the disease.
- In recent years, an increase in cases of brucellosis in men has been recorded in France.
- The disease comes from the Brucella bacterium which affects many animal species.
- Transmission to humans occurs through contact with sick animals or by consuming contaminated animal products.
Whether Santé Publique France highlights an upward trend in cases of brucellosis in recent years, with in particular 40 new cases declared in 2022, this disease remains rare in France. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella and can affect multiple animal species, including cattle, goats, sheep, wild boar, deer and reindeer. The increase in cases of contamination in humans observed recently must be closely monitored to avoid a resurgence of the disease. The precautions to be taken to avoid transmission are simple but must be applied rigorously, in particular for farmers and food professionals and those traveling to countries considered endemic.
Brucellosis is caught by contact with infected animals or ingestion of food of animal origin
The risk of contamination can occur through direct contact with sick animals, through ingestion of contaminated food, unpasteurized milk and dairy products from contaminated animals, more rarely raw vegetables contaminated with manure or exceptionally insufficiently cooked meat and offal, or by inhalation of litter dust and contaminated aerosol in laboratories or slaughterhouses. Farmers can also contribute to prevention by vaccinating their animals against the disease. Human-to-human transmission remains rare.
Prevention of brucellosis: watch out for dairy products and meat
It is essential to pay particular attention when consuming dairy products, preferring pasteurized products and well-cooked meats. Wearing personal protective equipment when handling infected animals or contaminated materials is essential. French health authorities continue to closely monitor this disease and encourage preventive measures to prevent its spread.
Brucellosis can cause high fevers and neurological damage
Despite advances in research, brucellosis remains a dangerous disease for humans. It can cause high fevers, joint and muscle pain as well as hepatobiliary complications. It can also lead to neurological, cardiovascular or reproductive organ infections if not treated properly. It is therefore important to take the necessary measures to avoid contamination, in particular by wearing protective clothing for professionals in contact with animals and by adopting rigorous hygiene.
Despite antibiotics, brucellosis relapses are common
Healthcare professionals should also be alert to signs of brucellosis in patients who have been in contact with infected animals. The antibiotics currently used require prolonged treatment periods that can reach several weeks and whose relapses are frequent. Vaccination is not yet sufficiently developed because the mechanisms of infection are still largely unknown.
