100 PALESTINIANS DIAGNOSED WITH BRUCELLOSIS SO FAR IN 2015

Photo: Ma'an News Agency — **100 Palestinians have been infected with Brucellosis, an infectious disease spread from animals to humans, since the beginning of 2015.**(Photo: Ma’an)

Bethlehem, 21 Jumadil Awwal 1436/12 March 2015 (MINA) – The Palestinian Ministry of Health said 100 people have been infected with Brucellosis, an infectious disease spread from animals to humans, since the beginning of 2015.

Around half of the cases were in the Hebron district, Diya Abu Hujeija, director of preventive medicine in the ministry, told Ma’an.

The rate of infection is particularly high this year due to a lack of vaccinations provided by the PA, as well as a lack of awareness about the disease, Abu Hujeija added, Ma’an News Agency quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Ageny (MINA) as reporting.

Over 401 Palestinians were infected by the disease in 2014, compared to 243 in 2013, 184 in 2012 and 179 in 2011, Ministry of Health figures show.

Brucellosis is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the ingestion of unpasteurized milk or undercooked meat from infected animals or close contact with their secretions.

It usually takes several weeks to treat using medication. (T/P010/P3)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)