Paraguay: Brucellosis outbreak in Asunción January 11

Event

Health officials announced that a brucellosis outbreak is currently ongoing in Asunción. As of Thursday, January 11, at least 76 suspected cases and 21 confirmed cases had been reported since November 2017. According to local sources, the outbreak has mostly affected students and faculty members of National University of Asunción (UNA). The Paraguayan health minister recently announced that public health measures had been implemented to contain the spread of the disease.

Context

Brucellosis is a disease transmitted by the Brucella bacterium. The disease is spread via direct contact with infected animals such as cattle, goats, dogs and swine, or through the consumption of contaminated milk.

Symptoms of brucellosis can include fever, sweating, joint and muscle pain, nausea, and weight loss.

Advice

Individuals in Paraguay and those planning travel to the country should avoid animal milk products and contact with animals in the Asunción area and surrounding locales. Travelers exhibiting the abovementioned symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.