Reporting & Investigation of Brucellosis

Table of Contents

A. Purpose of Surveillance and Reporting

  • To identify the source of infection and prevent further transmission from this source (e.g., an infected animal, a contaminated unpasteurized dairy product, etc.).
  • To identify cases and clusters of human illness that may be associated with a bioterrorist event.

B. Laboratory and Healthcare Provider Reporting Requirements

Iowa Administrative Code 641-1.3(139) stipulates that the laboratory and the healthcare provider must report. The preferred reporting method is through the Iowa Disease Surveillance System, unless Bioterrorism is involved. The reporting phone number for IDPH Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology (CADE) is (800) 362-2736; fax number (515) 281-5698, mailing address:

Iowa Department of Public Health, CADE
Lucas State Office Building, 5th Floor
321 E. 12th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075

Note: Due to the infrequent occurrence and potential severity of brucellosis, IDPH requests that information about any suspect or known case be reported within 24 hours, however any suspected exposure to Brucella that may be bioterrorist in nature should be immediately reported to the local public health agency where diagnosed. If this is not possible, call IDPH Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology at (800) 362-2736.

C. Local Public Health Agency (LPHA) Follow-up Responsibilities

Case Investigation

  1. The most important thing a LPHA can do if it learns of a suspect or confirmed case of brucellosis, or any suspected exposure to Brucella that may be due to a bioterrorist event, is to call IDPH immediately, any time of the day or night. The 24-hour number for the Center of Acute Disease Epidemiology is (800) 362-2736.

  2. Case investigation of brucellosis in Iowa residents will be directed by CADE. If a bioterrorist event is suspected, IDPH and other response authorities will work closely with LPHA(s) and provide instructions/information on how to proceed.
  3. Following immediate notification to IDPH, the LPHA(s) may be asked to assist in investigating cases that live within their community.  They may be asked to:
    1. Confirm diagnosis.
    2. Inform CADE of the presence of the disease and request assistance if needed.
    3. Work with CADE staff on completion of CDC Brucellosis Case Surveillance form.
    4. Confirm that the laboratory where the culture was identified exercised the proper precautions when working with the bacteria. Infectious aerosols can occur when manipulation of the isolate is done outside of a biosafety hood. Laboratory workers exposed to these aerosols should take preventive antibiotics.
    5. Ask questions regarding exposure to the Brucella vaccine to determine other potential sources of exposure.
  4. If it is suspected that the case became infected through milk (or other food), CADE will work with the Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) to address food safety concerns.
  5. Institution of disease control measures is an integral part of case investigation.  The LPHA will work with CADE to institute the control guidelines listed below in Section 4), Controlling Further Spread.  CADE staff will also be available to assist in development of any risk communications or other needs of its local partners regarding the investigation.