Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Camels Linked to Spread of #MERS Virus in People



A new study suggests that camels are the major source of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, or MERS, a viral disease that has sickened 182 people and killed 79 of them since it was first detected in Saudi Arabia in 2012.
The animals are most likely to infect people through respiratory secretions — from coughing, sneezing, snorting or spitting — that travel through the air or cling to surfaces.
People with chronic illnesses like diabetes, lung disease or kidney failure, or other conditions that weaken their immunity, seem to be most susceptible, and should avoid close contact with camels, researchers say.
Continued:  http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/25/health/camels-linked-to-spread-of-deadly-virus-in-people.html?_r=0

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