Fresh warnings on how to handle the desert kingdom's wealth of camels has been issued by Saudi authorities as the animal is thought to be the source of MERS in the Gulf state.
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) - Causes Symptoms Treatment Prevention
MERS, a newly discovered respiratory disease, was recently reported in the Arabian region. MERS is caused by a virus similar to that causing common cold and other respiratory illnesses.
MERS, a newly discovered respiratory disease, was recently reported in the Arabian region. MERS is caused by a virus similar to that causing common cold and other respiratory illnesses.
The agriculture ministry has urged Saudis handling camels to wear masks and gloves to avoid catching the disease, in a statement published in local media.
The warning came after scientific studies commissioned by the health ministry suggested a connection between camels and the virus.
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Early use of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation in moderate-to-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome may increase in-hospital mortality
Like SARS, it appears to cause a lung infection, with patients suffering coughing, breathing difficulties and a temperature. But MERS differs in that it also causes rapid kidney failure.
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Urbanization And Rising Respiratory Problems
Urbanization is not bad altogether. Undertaking the correct approaches during urban planning can avoid most of the environmental problems associated with it.
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Earlier research had shown the virus was "extraordinarily common" in camels for at least 20 years and may have been passed directly from the animals to humans.
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Emergency Talks on Deadly MERS Virus to be Held by WHO on Tuesday
Amid concern over the rising number of cases in several countries, the World Health Organization is to hold an emergency meeting next week on the deadly MERS virus.
Amid concern over the rising number of cases in several countries, the World Health Organization is to hold an emergency meeting next week on the deadly MERS virus.
Former health minister Abdullah al-Rabiah warned last month against assuming that camels were behind the virus, insisting that "one should not jump to conclusions."
He was dismissed days later on April 21 without official explanation and replaced by Labour Minister Fakieh who immediately promised "transparency" in providing the public and media with information on MERS.
The ministry now publishes a daily detailed bulletin on its website updating the numbers of MERS infections and deaths.
Last week, Fakieh also announced the sacking of the head of Jeddah's King Fahd Hospital, where a spike in MERS infections among medical staff sparked panic among the public.
After its five-day mission to Jeddah, the WHO pinpointed breaches in its "recommended infection prevention and control measures" as being partly responsible for an increase in infections in the Red Sea city.
- No changes for pilgrimage -
Amid rising concerns over MERS's spread, the WHO is preparing for an emergency meeting to discuss the virus -- the fifth time the UN health agency's emergency committee has met about the mystery coronavirus.
Months before the annual hajj pilgrimage to the Muslim holy sites in Mecca and Medina, the number of reported cases is climbing steadily.
Jeddah will be the main point of entry for pilgrims from overseas when they arrive in September.
Pilgrims still trickle into Mecca for the lesser pilgrimage -- the umra -- that can be performed at any time, especially during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which starts in July.
Saudi Arabia's hajj ministry has not yet taken any special measures related to MERS.
The WHO also said it does not advise special screening at points of entry, nor does it currently recommend the application of any travel or trade restrictions, "including for upcoming pilgrimage travel to Saudi Arabia."
Fakieh has announced an awareness campaign to help stop the disease's spread, and doctors, academics and journalists have launched initiatives of their own to encourage the public to adopt new hygiene measures recommended by the government.
"The campaign targets public gatherings, hospitals, and markets to raise awareness among people," said Alia Banaja, who runs a campaign in Jeddah, where some people have started wearing masks, a measure only recommended in hospitals.
MERS cases have also been reported in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon and even the United States, with most involving people who had traveled to Saudi Arabia or worked there, often as medical staff.
Source-AFP
