Malaysian Government Warns Tourists To Skip Camel Farm Tours In Middle East For Fear of Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus
The Health Ministry of the Malaysian government released a statement warning Malaysians and other tourists in the Middle East to skip camel tours or refuse travel agencies that offer such condition. The statement was released due to the looming presence of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in these areas.
"Camel farm visits can pose a risk to pilgrims and tourists as they may contract MERS-CoV. If it occurs, the travel agency concerned is responsible for the infection as it has not followed our guidelines or advice," deputy director-general Datuk Dr Lokman Hakim Sulaiman said in a statement as reported by The Star Online.
He further highlighted his personal opinion regarding the leniency and 'lax attitudes' among travel agencies in dealing with such dangerous situations.
A recent update from the World Health Organization has also confirmed that precautions particularly in touching camel and getting food or meat from them should be exercised fully.
In their update, WHO announced, "Therefore, 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."
The agency also emphasized that washing one's hands among people who touch camels should be strictly followed.
Careful and proper cooking and preparation of camel meat is also advised.
"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 said.
To date, the World Health Organization has reported a total of five people who got the of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection.
Primary symptoms of the virus include fever, cough and shortness of breath, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and nausea/vomiting may also be felt by some people. In its later stages, MERS might also generate other complications such as pneumonia and kidney failure.
