The world fears a new pandemic after Covid-19. Dozens of people in Qatar have contracted Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in the last 10 years. Camels are thought to be the natural host of this dangerous virus and it is passed from person to person. Camel flu, a rare but fatal respiratory illness, kills 35 out of every 100 people infected.
The World Health Organization has issued a camel flu warning as Covid-19 has just lost its grip on the world. Scientists list MERS as one of eight potential 'infection hazards' that could theoretically occur during the four-week tournament. The Covid-19 virus and monkeypox are cited as the two most likely risks. This dangerous virus is passed from person to person.
In 2003, the SARS virus in China killed 775 people. The MERS virus is 8 times more deadly than SARS. Although the symptoms of the MERS virus, i.e. camel flu, are not yet clear, symptoms such as upper respiratory tract infection, fever and coughing are seen. In addition, this virus causes important diseases such as pneumonia and kidney failure.
What are the Symptoms of Camel Flu (MERS)?
Symptoms of camel flu are similar to the common cold or flu. Runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, fever that is not high, and generally feeling unwell. People experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, body aches, headache, sneezing, difficulty breathing and coughing should seek medical advice for virus control and testing and share past travel information.
In addition, there is no specific treatment for the MERS' virus. Therefore, experts are working to reduce its symptoms rather than treat it.
Is Camel Flu (MERS) Transmitted?
The UK has detected only five cases of the MERS virus, the last of which was a tourist from the Middle East in August 2018. According to studies, this disease is transmitted from person to person. Camels, on the other hand, are thought to be the natural host of the virus, which is in the same family as the virus behind the coronavirus pandemic.
What should be done to avoid getting camel flu?
Camel flu can be transmitted by all mammals, including humans. This flu causes a much more severe picture than other coronaviruses. In order to avoid being exposed to this severe picture, we can list the precautions to be taken in camel flu as follows;
- Health officials recommend that all tourists traveling to Qatar avoid touching mammals.
- Fans should also avoid drinking camel milk or urine or consuming camel meat that is not cooked properly.
- Experts advise anyone returning to the UK with symptoms of MERS, which are similar to those of a cold or flu, to seek medical advice to check and test for the virus and to share information about past travel.