Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

Middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS) is cause by coronavirus, this is a zoonotic virus that means it is transmitted from animals to humans. This virus infected humans who were in direct contact with infected dromedary camels which is the host reservoir of the virus.According to WHO this virus is identified in domedary camels in many middle eastern countries, Africa and South east Asia

As a precautionary measure anyone visiting farms, barns, and other places where domedary camels are kept should practice good hygiene practices avoiding close contact with animals, animal products like milk, meat etc should only be consumed after thorough cooking avoiding cross contamination with other food products

Saudi Arabia has confirmed 141 cases of MERS this year, while WHO reports 2428 cases worldwide with fatality rate 34.5%

Source:WHO