The prevalence rate of brucellosis or Malta fever increased by 50% between 2011- 2013 and has reached 20,000 cases at present, said Rasoul Khezri, a member of the Majlis (Parliament) Health Commission. It is estimated that the figure will exceed 20,000 this year, Alef News Agency quoted him as saying. Nearly 25% of brucellosis occurs in cities due to unpasteurized dairy consumption, while the 70% in rural areas is the result of direct contact with infected livestock. The Health Ministry usually organizes education sessions in small towns and villages to instruct people on precautionary measures against Malta fever such as boiling milk for five minutes.
