Camels May be Passing Deadly Disease to Humans
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Purestock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Camels may be responsible for spreading the deadly MERS coronavirus to humans.
According to the BBC, tests show that the MERS — Middle East Respiratory Syndrome virus — has been circulating in camels, who may be spreading the disease.
Scientists studied blood samples from livestock animals, including sheep, goats, cows, and camels. High levels of antibodies were found in some of the camels, suggesting that the desert animals had the virus recently. The scientists’ findings were published in the Lancet Infectious Diseases Journal.
The MERS coronavirus emerged last year in the Middle East. There have been 94 confirmed cases of MERS and 46 deaths associated with the disease, the BBC reports. Most cases are believed to be caused by contact with an animal.
According to the BBC, the scientists say more research is needed to confirm the findings.
Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio