First case of brucellosis in 25 years

An 11-year-old local girl has caught brucellosis — the first case recorded in Macau in 25 years, according to a statement by the Health Bureau (SSM). She presented symptoms associated with febrile disease, including a fever, a mouth ulcer, a rash, and elbow pain. She sought treatment at the public hospital several times as her fever would not subside. Blood tests later confirmed the diagnosis of brucellosis. SSM said that the 11-year-old girl had not visited any rural areas, nor had she been in contact with any animals other than a neighbor’s dog. Information provided by the girl’s family also showed that she had not drunk any unpasteurized milk products. SSM said that it is not yet able to confirm how the child contracted the disease.