Preparing for an appointment

If you think you may have brucellosis, you're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. You may be referred to an infectious disease specialist.

A diagnosis of brucellosis depends on understanding whether, how and when you were exposed to the bacteria that cause the disease. You can help your doctor by being prepared with as much information as possible.

What you can do

Before your appointment, you may want to write a list of answers to the following questions:

• When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
• Have you eaten any raw (unpasteurized) dairy products, such as milk or goat cheese?
• Does your job involve contact with animals or with animal tissues?
• Have you traveled to countries other than the United States during the past year?
• Do you work in a lab where infectious organisms are present?
• Have you gone hunting recently?

What to expect from your doctor

During the physical exam, your doctor may:

• Ask you to move your joints, to check for pain and stiffness
• Check your reflexes and the strength of your muscles
• Press on your abdomen to determine if organs are enlarged or tender