Health Department Tell*

Health Department Tell*

Of Undulant Fever

The following information waa released by Mrs. Frances Thorn-i ton, County Health Nurse.

Undulant fever is an infectious disease caused by an organism ■which is usually derived froift infected cattle, hogs, or goats. It is known to be the same organism which causes infectious abortion in cattle.

Clinical Description—Incubation period or the tinie which elapses between the date of infection and the appearance of first symptoms is usually fifteen to thirty days, but apparently may be as short as six days.

Symptoms—These vary greatly; but in typical cases some or all of the following usually occur: headache, fatigue; chills or chilliness; backache; loss of appetite; fever, with a marked daily rise and fall (hence, the term “undulant" fever), accompanied at times with temporary abatement of symptoms; constipation occasionally preceded by diarrhea; profuse sweating, especially at night; nervousness; mental depression; sleeplessness; pain in abdomen, joints or muscles; and progressive loss of weight and strength. Relapses may occur, but as a rule they are less severe than the original attack. '

The illness may occur in a mild form in which weakness, fatigue and a slight rise intemperature! are the only manifestations found. In other instances, the patient may be severely ill. He may be prostrated for several months and if relapses occur, for a year or even longer.

The gradual onset of the disease and the symptoms, at times, are suggestive of typhoid fever or gall bladder infection, especially when the fever is of more or less continuous type. The clinical picture of undulant f ever may be variable and may simulate a number of other diseases, such as influenza, bronchopneumonia, tuberculosis, malaria, rheumatic fever, arthritis, and appendicitis.

The disease ia Aaissals— The inciting microorganism in domestic animals and man is the same but the clinical manifestations differ markedly. Abortion is apparently the outstanding symptom in cattle and hogs. Infected goats may show few, if any, abnormalities. Also cattle and hogs affected by the disease sometimes appear to be in perfect condition. Many farmers are eliminating Bang’s abortion disease in their herds by testing their cows at regular intervals, disposing of those found infected, and purchasing only cows