What is Camel Flu?

Camel flu, also known as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) or camel coronavirus, is a viral respiratory illness caused by the MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV). It was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and has since been reported in several other countries in the Middle East, as well as in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.


What is Camel Flu
Camel Flu, Symptoms | Fine Health Tips


The MERS virus is thought to be primarily transmitted to humans through close contact with infected camels, although human-to-human transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings. It is not clear how commonly the virus is transmitted from camels to humans, but it is thought to be rare.

 Symptoms

Symptoms of MERS typically begin within 2 to 14 days of exposure to the virus. The most common symptoms are fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Some people may also experience muscle pain, headache, and a sore throat. In severe cases, MERS can lead to pneumonia and respiratory failure, which can be life-threatening.

 

There is no specific treatment for MERS and no vaccine to prevent infection. Treatment is supportive and may include oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, and other supportive measures.

 

The best way to prevent MERS is to avoid close contact with infected camels and to follow good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before and after handling animals. If you are traveling to an area where MERS is present, it is important to avoid close contact with sick people and to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands.

 

It is also important to be aware of the potential for human-to-human transmission of MERS, particularly in healthcare settings. If you are a healthcare worker and are caring for a patient with MERS, it is important to follow recommended infection control measures, such as wearing gloves, gowns, and masks, to prevent the spread of the virus.

 

Overall 

While MERS can be serious and even deadly, it is relatively rare and the risk of infection is low for most people. However, it is important to be aware of the potential for MERS transmission and to take steps to protect yourself and others if you are in an area where the virus is present.