WHO Warns Against Drinking Camel Urine To Prevent MERS Infection

The World Health Organization (WHO) has asked people to refrain from drinking camel urine or other raw camel products.

According to Daily Mail, the advisory comes amidst a MERS outbreak that has infected around 100 people in the Middle East since last month. The latest case of infection in an 86-year old, who was in a camel barn during the 14-day period prior to diagnosis, prompted WHO to issue the advisory as corona virus that causes the disease infects both humans and animals. Animals can also transmit the virus to humans.

Cameral urine is taken for its medicinal properties but animals infected with MERS can shed the virus the urine. Though human to human transmissions requires close contact, the virus caries a high risk of mortality affecting the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

"People with compromised immune systems should avoid close contact with animals, particularly camels, when visiting farms, markets, or barn areas where the virus is known to be potentially circulating. General hygiene measures such as regular hand-washing before and after touching animals, avoiding contact with sick animals should be adhered to," WHO said.

"Food hygiene practices should be observed. People should avoid drinking raw camel milk or camel urine, or eating meat that has not been properly cooked," it added.

MERS causes fever and pneumonia besides gastrointestinal problems. In severe cases of infection it can cause respiratory failure requiring ventilation.

Even as the Middle East combats the virus which caused its first outbreak in the in 2012, South Korea reported infections and is trying to contain the virus.