2 expats in Eastern Province infected with MERS

RIYADH: Two expats including a woman were affected by Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Jubail and Hofuf, bringing the total number of those affected to 1,442 since June 2012.
According to an official from the Ministry of Health, the woman, 52, contracted the disease from a patient in Jubail, while the man, 49, was infected from a patient who had contracted the disease from a camel in Hofuf.
With the new cases, the number of MERS-CoV related deaths in the Kingdom remains at 608. A total of three patients are currently under treatment at various hospitals in the Kingdom.
There are three major hospitals in Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah that have been designated as centers of excellence to treat MERS patients. In addition to these facilities, the ministry has assigned 20 more well-equipped hospitals in all the health regions to look after MERS patients.
In December, the ministry tested 160 camels in Jeddah and 50 of the juvenile camels were found to be carrying the virus.
Time and again, the Ministry of Health issues warning to keep away from camels. Those who are working on farms have been advised to take maximum precaution against the virus by wearing face masks, isolating infected animals and following the basic principles of hygiene.
According to the World Health Organization, studies have found MERS-CoV antibodies in camels across Africa and the Middle East. Human and camel genetic sequence data demonstrate a close link between the virus found in camels and that found in people.
As a general precaution, anyone visiting farms, markets, barns, or other places where animals are present should practice general hygiene measures, including regular hand washing before and after touching animals, and avoid contact with sick animals.
The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products, including milk and meat, carries a high risk of infection from a variety of organisms that might cause disease in humans. Animal products processed appropriately through cooking or pasteurization are safe for consumption, but should also be handled with care to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods.
Camel meat and camel milk are nutritious products that can continue to be consumed after pasteurization, cooking, or other heat treatments.