UK doctors put on alert for signs of 'camel flu' as England fans return home

Doctors have been advised to look out for symptoms of 'camel flu' as England fans flock back from the World Cup in Qatar.

It was heartbreak yet again for Three Lions fans after the national team crashed out in the quarter finals against France, and while supporters who made the long trip may want a hug upon their return home, you might want to check they're not ill first.

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus - also known as MERS, MERS-CoV or camel flu - is a rare but severe respiratory illness, which is far deadlier than Covid-19.

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It can start with a fever and cough, which can develop into pneumonia and breathing difficulties, and was first identified in 2012 in the Middle East.

People can pick up the virus from camels, and it can then be passed from person to person through cough droplets.

Now the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has advised doctors to be mindful that the virus could now be coming home from the World Cup.

According to a briefing note seen by The Sun, the UKHSA said: "Clinicians and public health teams should specifically be alert to the possibility of MERS in returning travellers from the World Cup.

"The risk of infection to UK residents is very low but may be higher in those with exposure to specific risk factors within the region - such as to camels.

"MERS can be acquired from close contact with camels or from consuming camel products e.g., unpasteurised camel milk."

LADbible has contacted the UKHSA for comment.

The risk of camel flu is the last thing England fans need right now after their elimination from the tournament against France.

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England finished on top in the group after comfortably sweeping aside the likes of Iran and Wales, before beating Senegal just as emphatically in the last 16.

France - the current holders of the coveted trophy - were the ultimate test for England, but the Three Lions's defeat was unfortunate.

France took an earlier lead through a long range strike from Aurelien Tchouameni, with Harry Kane levelling things up from the penalty spot in the second half.

England dominated for long periods but France took the lead once again 12 minutes from time, with Olivier Giroud heading in from Antoine Griezmann's cross.

However, Kane soon had a chance to draw things level from the spot once again, but he blazed the opportunity over the bar and France were able to hold out for the win.

Topics: Animals, Health, UK News, World Cup

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey