The Straits Times Saturday June 21 2008

Camel milk gives two people rare illness
The two people were the second and third individuals to get this rare disease.People will catch this disease only after consuming unpasteurised milk or dairy products from infected cows,camels,sheep and goats.The areas considered high-risk include South and Central America,Easter Europe,the Middle East and Central Asia.People should avoid consuming milk and dairy products,raw meat and animal products especially in the high-risk areas.The illness was caused by a type of bacteria called brucrlla.It landed them in the hospital for three weeks.The incubation period of the brucella can be long, usually five to sixty days.The pair have seen recovered following a regimen of antibiotics while in hospital, were diagnosed through blood tests.They also did not suspect the milk to be the culprit,as they fell sick only three to four months after consuming it.The Health Ministry advised the travellers who have returned from those areas and eaten such items should look out for symptoms and see the doctor if they become unwell.