Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that affects both animals and humans. Its symptoms in human can last from few days to many months. Brucellosis is occurred through the transmission of the bacteria from the infected animal such as cows, camels, goats, and cattle to human. It is usually associated with the consumption of unpasteurized milk and soft cheeses or direct contact with the infected animals through skin wounds, mucous membranes, or the different body fluids. Brucellosis induces fever, sweating, headaches, and muscular, joints, back pains. The incubation period of the disease can vary from a few weeks to two months or more.  

The Sultanate has recorded cases of Brucellosis ‘’Maltese fever’’ in the last decades, most of them were in Dhofar Governorate and were contained successfully. Recently, total of 48 Brucellosis positive cases has been confirmed in North Al Batinah during this year. Joint efforts from the Ministry of Health (MOH), the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries have been achieved regarding epidemiological surveillance and source tracking. MOH as well as the relevant authorities are undertaken all measures to control and tackle this disease.

 Certain prevention methods should be followed to avoid Brucellosis.  These methods represent in boiling milk before consumption, and avoiding eating undercooked meat or consuming unpasteurized or raw dairy products. Moreover, people who handle animals should put on rubber gloves, goggles, gowns or aprons, and wash their hands properly afterwards.  When symptoms occurred, one should seek the nearest health institution for treatment and take the medications as prescribed.