International health insurance intermediary Medibroker is warning expatriates living or traveling in the Middle East about exposure to Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).
The virus reportedly has infected 176 individuals since it first emerged in 2012, with more than 40% of cases proving fatal. The MERS virus causes symptoms similar to those of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus, such as fever, coughing, and pneumonia.
The majority of MERS cases have been in Saudi Arabia, while the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Qatar have also had incidents. Camels are thought to be potential carriers of the virus, so the World Health Organization is advising care when in the vicinity of these animals, especially in farm or barn areas.
The Middle East is a popular destination for foreign workers, with more 7.5 million expatriates in Saudi Arabia alone, Medibroker noted. The firm is advising its clients to take extra care when traveling to the region.
