Camels: a Major Reservoir Host for MERS-CoV

The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus, or MERS-CoV, is a viral respiratory disease first identified in 2012 in Saudi Arabia. It is caused by a novel coronavirus and is known to cause Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), MERS-CoV has a mortality rate in humans of approximately 35%.

The most known transmission source is through human-to-human infection, but studies have shown that the virus is zoonotic and that dromedary camels are a major reservoir host for it. Animals are therefore able to transmit the disease to humans. Most cases have been reported in Saudi Arabia (80% according to the WHO). This is because most people affected by animal-to-human cross contamination are infected through unprotected contact with animals.

The most effective way to prevent any animal or human infection, apart from wearing protective masks, is to establish a thorough hygiene protocol, disinfecting animals and humans, but also equipment, aerial atmosphere, and surfaces. For this, NUeVO and NUeVO Agri come to aid by providing disinfection solutions for surfaces, humans, animals, and atmosphere.

Source: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). (2019, March 11). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/middle-east-respiratory-syndrome-coronavirus-(mers-cov)