Definition

1. Noun:
   • An infectious bacterial disease transmitted from animals to humans: "Rock fever" is an informal, primarily historical term for brucellosis, a zoonotic infection. It is contracted through direct contact with infected animals (like cattle, goats, or pigs) or by consuming contaminated, unpasteurized dairy products or undercooked meat. The disease is characterized by recurring episodes of fever, severe headaches, weakness, and muscle pain.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The rancher was diagnosed with rock fever after working closely with his sick livestock.
  • Consuming raw milk in that region carries a risk of contracting rock fever.

Advanced Usage

• The term "rock fever" is now considered dated and is rarely used in modern medical contexts. The standard clinical term is brucellosis.
• It is sometimes regionally associated with areas where the disease was common among livestock workers or in places like Malta (where it was historically called "Malta fever").

Variants and Related Words

• Brucellosis (n): The standard medical term for the disease.
• Undulant fever (n): Another historical synonym for brucellosis, referring to the wavy, recurring nature of the fever.
• Malta fever (n): A historical term for brucellosis, named after an early documented outbreak.

Synonyms

• Brucellosis: The formal medical synonym.
• Mediterranean fever: Another historical regional name.

Related Phrases

• While "rock fever" itself is not commonly used in phrasal verbs or idioms, it is associated with public health warnings:
  • To contract brucellosis/rock fever: To become infected with the disease.
  • An outbreak of brucellosis: A sudden occurrence of multiple cases.

Noun

1. infectious bacterial disease of human beings transmitted by contact with infected animals or infected meat or milk products; characterized by fever and headache