Camel populations in Kenya have had antibodies to the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) as far back as 1992, according to an international research team that tested stored samples, according to a study yesterday in Emerging Infectious Diseases.
Cases continue in Middle East hot spots as first US case-patient recovers.
The first US MERS patients is a US citizen in his 60s who lives and works in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia reported 36 cases over the past 3 days, pushing its total well over 400.
The first importation of the disease to the United States poses little risk to the general public, say officials.
A WHO team moves from Riyadh to Jeddah, while other experts call for collaboration.
A US-Chinese team of scientists has reported the discovery of three human monoclonal antibodies with a potent ability to neutralize MERS-CoV (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus), a find they say may point the way toward a drug to prevent or treat the infection.
The MERS onslaught that began in late March rolled into May with 11 new cases.
The April MERS surge continued, with 16 more cases reported in Saudi Arabia.
The results further augment the evidence that camels are a source of human infections.
