Human brucellosis in Gaza Strip, Palestine

The magnitude of the brucellosis problem in the Gaza Strip and the exposure to risk factors among cases were investigated. The incidence of brucellosis in 1996 was 8/100 000. The age-specific incidence rate was approximately equal in all age groups, with a mean age of infection of 20 years. Cases were reported from all districts, with a particularly high incidence in the Mid-zone district and Gaza City, and most cases had onset of illness in spring and summer. The main reported risk factor was consumption of milk and milk products, especially home-made cheese [70.4%], and 22.2% of cases were among animal breeders. The proportion of chronic and relapsing cases was very high [17%]