$Unique_ID{BRK00726}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases, Infections or Parasites}
$Title{Bang's Disease from raw cow's milk}
$Subject{Bang's cattle bacteria infection}
$Volume{N, A}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Bang's Disease from raw cow's milk


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QUESTION:  I am a farmer and am having severe chills and heavy sweating at bed
time.  My neighbor says I could have Bang's Disease as we use our cow's milk
directly from milking.  What do you think?

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ANSWER:  Sounds like your neighbor knows a thing or two.  Fever, chills and
heavy sweating, along with headache, generalized aches and pains and
occasionally diarrhea can be the signs of Brucellosis, caused by the Brucella
abortus bacteria found in cattle (where it is called Bang's Disease).  It is a
disease that is seen in farmers and livestock producers, as well as
meatpackers who come in contact with infected meat or cows.  It is not usually
transmitted from person to person, but by direct contact with the secretions
of infected animals.  The fever can last on and off, for as long as 5 weeks,
then subside for a week or two, only to return again.  It is possible for
these cycles to continue for years, causing prolonged ill health, although the
disease is rarely fatal.  You have two tasks at hand.  The first is to visit
your physician for an accurate diagnosis and treatment, as antibiotics are
effective in controlling the disease.  The second task is to have your animals
examined by your veterinarian, so that the source of your infection can be
removed.  Without this important step, other members of your family may become
infected.  Pasteurization of milk removes the danger for those who get their
milk at the store.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
