Doctors issue warning of potentially fatal 'camel flu' symptoms as World Cup fans return to England

The UK health Authorities have issued guidance for doctors and clinicians to be alert to people, particularly football fans who have been to Qatar, showing any symptoms of Camel flu. Camels are an important source of the disease medically termed Middle East respiratory syndrome. Fans taking camel joy rides in Qatar may be at high risk of contracting the disease.

No immediate concern

The present Camel flu scene in the UK is nothing to be worried about, and the risk of infection to the residents is low. However, exposure to possible sources of the infection, like Camels, may increase the chances of the disease, like the football fans that travelled to Qatar.

"Camel flu" can be acquired from contact with camels, like taking camel rides, a popular pastime for tourists in Qatar. The infection can also happen from consuming unpasteurised camel milk.




Before the World Cup, the UK health Safety authorities have expressly cautioned fans planning to travel to Qatar to avoid camels as a preventive measure. However, there is no report of any Camel flu cases in the UK so far.

FAQs:

1. What is Camel flu?
   Camel flu is a type of respiratory illness. Medically it is known as Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS). The primary source of MERS is infection from camels.
2. What are the symptoms and treatment of Camel flu?
   The common symptoms of the disease are breathing issues, cough and vomiting, fever and diarrhoea. There is no specific treatment for camel flu, and doctors generally prescribe symptomatic medicines.