What are the symptoms of brucellosis?

The illness may cause a fever that comes and goes, chills, reduced appetite and a general feeling of being unwell. Sweating can be especially noticeable at night. Joint or back pain and muscle aches may affect movement, while headaches and low energy can interfere with work and sleep. Symptoms may appear after contact with livestock or wild animals, handling animal tissues, or eating unpasteurised milk or cheese. Brucellosis can resemble other infections, so symptoms alone cannot confirm the cause.

Arrange a medical assessment and mention travel, animal contact, occupation, hunting or dairy foods that may be relevant. A blood test may help identify the infection alongside your history and examination. Do not start leftover antibiotics; confirmed brucellosis needs a clinician-selected course and follow-up.

Seek prompt care for persistent or returning fever, drenching night sweats, worsening weakness, severe headache, confusion, breathing difficulty, or new severe joint or back pain. Urgent assessment is also appropriate if you are pregnant, have reduced immunity, or have recently had a high-risk animal or food exposure and feel unwell.

Ask whether your exposure history warrants testing, which blood tests are needed, how long treatment may take, and what symptoms should trigger review.