Mers-CoV rampant in Saudi due to camels: WHO
DAMMAM, August 7, 2015
The World Health Organization (WHO) has attributed the lack of control over the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronovirus (Mers-CoV) to camels, as compared to South Korea which got rid of the disease within two months, according to a report.
"In the kingdom, camel is the animal source that causes coronavirus outbreak, although the virus is transmitted by infected persons who are often in health care facilities, such as hospitals and medical clinics,” Christian Ndmir, WHO spokesman, was quoted as saying in the Arab News report.
In contrast, there was one source for the disease outbreak in South Korea, represented in an infected individual returning from the Middle East with coronavirus, therefore, it was easier to break the chain of transmission there, he said.
Meanwhile, the WHO has urged all Haj and Umrah pilgrims to pay special attention on personal hygiene, following the health prevention procedures, said the report.
Travelers should immediately head to the medical staff if they develop a significant acute respiratory illness with fever and cough severe enough to interfere with usual daily activities, it added.
