Abu Dhabi lorry driver diagnosed with Mers

Patient, who regularly drives camels but who had no symptoms, was tested after Omani animals were found to be positive.

ABU DHABI // A lorry driver who regularly moves camels is in hospital after testing positive for Mers.

Local health authorities notified the World Health Organisation on May 13 that the patient had been diagnosed with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome.

He travelled to Ibri City in Oman on May 6 and returned to Abu Dhabi three days later with a cargo of camels.

As part of the UAE’s health policy, all imported camels are tested for Mers. The Omani animals were screened on May 10 and tested positive for the coronavirus.

The driver, an expatriate whose nationality has not been disclosed, was tested on the same day. While he showed none of the symptoms, he was found to have contracted the Mers virus.

He is being kept in isolation and investigators are trying to find out with whom he might have come in contact.

The link between camels and the Mers virus is still being investigated, with some research suggesting camels could be a source.

The last Mers case diagnosed in the UAE was in February, when an expatriate died after contracting the coronavirus.

A month later, a 65-year-old man was diagnosed with the coronavirus after returning to Germany from the UAE.

Globally, the WHO has been notified of 1,118 laboratory-confirmed cases of Mers, with 423 related deaths.

The WHO is encouraging all member states to continue their surveillance for acute respiratory infections, and to review any unusual patterns.

It said infection prevention and control measures were critical to preventing the possible spread of Mers in hospitals. People with diabetes, renal failure, chronic lung disease and immune deficiencies were considered to be at high risk of severe illness from Mers.

“These people should avoid close contact with animals, particularly camels, when visiting farms, markets, or barn areas where the virus is known to be potentially circulating,” a spokesman said.

“General hygiene measures, such as regular handwashing before and after touching animals and avoiding contact with sick animals, should be adhered to.”

People should also avoid drinking raw camel milk or camel urine, and eating meat that has not been properly cooked.

According to Islamic tradition, camel urine is considered to have medicinal properties and is consumed in some parts of the Middle East.

Dr Sajeev Nair, a specialist in respiratory medicine and pulmonology at LLH Hospital in Mussaffah, said it was not guaranteed that the patient in question would develop the disease.

“They will probably keep him in isolation under observation for 14 to 21 days, which is the incubation period,” Dr Nair said. “If he does not show symptoms, it should be OK for him to go home.”

He also warned about the link between Mers and camels.

“Avoid exposure to camels as the virus is in camels. Don’t go to camel farms,” he said.

“Avoid touching them, and if you do need to touch them, use an alcohol-based handwash to wash your hands before and after touching the animal.

Dr Fanie Jute, regional medical director at International SOS, a company of experts in global health issues, said the case “highlights the need to remain vigilant and underscores the value of the surveillance policies set by the authorities”.

Dr Jute said anyone who had fever or severe respiratory symptoms, such as a cough or shortness of breath, should seek medication attention immediately.