Ministries discuss camel-MERS coronavirus link

Ministries discuss camel-MERS coronavirus link
Updated 14 August 2015
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Ministries discuss camel-MERS coronavirus link

Ministries discuss camel-MERS coronavirus link

JEDDAH: A joint meeting between representatives of the Ministries of Health and Agriculture discussed a number of issues related to awareness programs offered to camel owners and herders, as well as future plans developed to address the increasing casualties in Riyadh.
During the meeting, they discussed the relationship between importing of camels and the incidence of coronavirus infections, as well as reviewed scientific evidence linking camels and initial cases that appear within communities.
Findings revealed that some cases emerged through contact with another infected individual, not the camel, which confirms the ability of the virus to spread between people.
The meeting called for the need for greater efforts and stronger cooperation between all concerned sectors to deal with coronavirus, as well as continuous awareness campaigns aimed at preventing the emergence of initial cases within the community.
In a related development, a source at the Ministry of Health said most cases of coronavirus infections during the month of Shawwal are primary cases which occurred outside ministry’s hospitals. Epidemiological investigations revealed most of the cases were a result of direct or indirect contact with camels, and then were spread via contact with family members.
There appears to be a strong link between infection and old age and low immunity, as coronavirus easily affects individuals who suffer from chronic illnesses.