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?
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.
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.
