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Brucellosis Outbreak Caused by Brucella melitensis - Jingyang County, Shaanxi Province, China, March-May, 2020
Wenhui Chang1, Yangxin Sun1, Suoping Fan1
1Shaanxi Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Xian, Shaanxi, China.
Abstract:
What is already known about this topic?
Abstract:
Brucellosis is one of the world's most overlooked zoonotic diseases, and humans can easily acquire brucellosis from animals and their products. Reemerging brucellosis outbreaks are probably attributable to sociocultural factors and compounded by the lack of adequate control measures in sheep and goat rearing systems.
Abstract:
What is added by this report?
Abstract:
This is the first identified outbreak caused by Brucella melitensisbv.3 in Jingyang County, Xianyang City, Shaanxi Province. A total of 13 seropositve cases (7 acute patients and 6 asymptomatic persons) were identified from March to May, 2020, and the investigation indicated that sheep-to-canine-to-human was the likely transmission route.
Abstract:
What are the implications for public health practice?
Abstract:
Effective control of sheep brucellosis will significantly reduce the risk of human brucellosis. Priority should be given to building cooperation between all stakeholders, maintaining epidemiological surveillance to detect human brucellosis at medical centers, and making case reporting mandatory for both veterinary and public health services.
Insights
A Brucella melitensis outbreak in Shaanxi Province, China, involved 13 cases. The likely transmission route was sheep-to-canine-to-human, highlighting the need for better animal disease control to prevent human brucellosis.
Area of Science:
- Zoonotic diseases
- Epidemiology
- Veterinary public health
Background:
- Brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic disease with reemerging outbreaks linked to inadequate animal control and sociocultural factors.
- Human brucellosis is commonly acquired through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first identified outbreak of Brucella melitensis bv.3 in Jingyang County, Shaanxi Province.
- To investigate the transmission route and identify cases of brucellosis in the affected region.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological investigation of a brucellosis outbreak.
- Serological testing to identify positive cases (acute and asymptomatic).
- Case-finding in humans and tracing potential animal reservoirs.
Main Results:
- Identified 13 seropositive cases of Brucella melitensis bv.3 (7 acute, 6 asymptomatic) between March and May 2020.
- Determined a likely sheep-to-canine-to-human transmission pathway for the outbreak.
- This is the first documented outbreak of this specific Brucella strain in the region.
Conclusions:
- Effective control of brucellosis in sheep is crucial for preventing human cases.
- Strengthening epidemiological surveillance and mandatory reporting for both veterinary and public health sectors is essential.
- Inter-agency cooperation among stakeholders is vital for managing and preventing future brucellosis outbreaks.
