mediterranean fever
A farmer with Mediterranean fever rests in bed with a cool cloth on his forehead.
Noun 1. Brucellosis: An infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella, transmitted to humans from infected animals (such as cattle, goats, or pigs) or through consumption of contaminated animal products like unpasteurized milk or undercooked meat. The disease is characterized by recurrent or persistent fever, headache, weakness, and sweating.
- Noun:
- The patient was diagnosed with Mediterranean fever after reporting a persistent fever and severe headaches following a trip to a rural farming region.
- Consumption of unpasteurized cheese is a known risk factor for contracting Mediterranean fever.
- Mediterranean fever is an occupational hazard for veterinarians and farmers who work closely with livestock.
- "Undulant fever": Another common name for Mediterranean fever, referring to the wavelike, recurring pattern of the fever associated with the disease.
- The cyclical nature of the symptoms led the doctor to suspect undulant fever.
- Brucellosis (n): The primary medical and scientific term for Mediterranean fever.
- Malta fever (n): A historical name for the disease, originating from early cases identified on the island of Malta.
- Gibraltar fever (n): Another historical regional name for the same disease.
- Brucellosis: The direct technical synonym.
- Undulant fever: A descriptive synonym emphasizing the fever pattern.
- Bang's disease: A term used primarily for the infection in cattle.
The term "Mediterranean fever" is a historical and geographical name for the disease brucellosis. While it accurately describes the same bacterial infection, the modern medical community predominantly uses the term brucellosis. The name "Mediterranean" originated because the disease was first extensively studied in countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. However, the disease is found worldwide.
A farmer with Mediterranean fever rests in bed with a cool cloth on his forehead.
- infectious bacterial disease of human beings transmitted by contact with infected animals or infected meat or milk products; characterized by fever and headache