The Ministry of Health recommends prevention of SARS virus infection

Absolutely not eat raw milk, camel meat to avoid the risk of infection of acute respiratory syndrome in the Middle East - MERS, dangerous virus like SARS in Vietnam before.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), since MERS started in September 2012, there have been 200 deaths among 500 cases in more than 10 countries. Most people are ill in the Middle East or go to the Middle East to work. The patient has symptoms similar to flu, including cough, fever, shortness of breath, body aches and diarrhea. The disease was relatively stable in the previous months but recently suddenly increased again. The cause of this syndrome is caused by a virus belonging to the coronavirus group. WHO warns that this virus is likely to enter Vietnam.

Camels are the source of infection with MERS virus.(Photo: djiboutijones.com)

Regarding this epidemic, the Department of Food Safety (Ministry of Health) has advised people to eat and drink to prevent the risk of MERS infection as follows:

1. The source of this virus for humans is determined by camel. Other animals such as goats, cows, sheep, buffaloes, pigs and poultry have been tested for antibodies to MERS-CoV, but have not been found to have antigen of the virus.

2. The consumption of raw or undercooked camel products such as milk and meat . contains a high risk of infection with a variety of organisms that can cause disease in humans. Cooked or pasteurized camel products are safe for consumers, but must also be handled carefully to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods.

3. People with diabetes, kidney failure, chronic lung disease, immunodeficiency are considered to be at high risk for MERS-CoV infection. Therefore, these people need to be more careful in eating camel's meat and milk.

4. Finally, good food safety measures should be taken, including not eating undercooked meat or food prepared in unsanitary conditions; thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before eating; and maintain personal hygiene.