Drinking camel urine in some parts of the Middle East is not uncommon. People drink the liquid for its alleged palliative properties. Prophet Mohammad himself is said to have urged the consumption of the camel's urine as this may provide a cure for certain illnesses.
The World Health Organization (WHO), however, has called for people to stop drinking camel urine in a bid to curb the spread of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), which has already killed at least 10 in South Korea in the latest and largest outbreak since the disease was first detected in Saudi Arabia in 2012. As of Tuesday, South Korea already has 95 infections and 2,500 people are in quarantine.
MERS is caused by a new strain of coronavirus and can affect both people and animals. It is believed that the syndrome originated from animals before it jumped to humans.
The virus has been detected in camels and some of those who have contracted MERS came into contact with camels before they were infected. It isn't yet clear how humans become infected with the virus. In humans, the disease is transmitted from one person to another via very close contact.
In a statement, WHO recommended observing good hygiene and avoiding the consumption of camel's milk, urine and meat that has not been properly cooked. The United Nations agency likewise identified individuals who have increased risks of contracting the virus and these include those with pre-existing conditions such as chronic lung disease, renal failure and diabetes.
"General hygiene measures, such as regular hand washing before and after touching animals and avoiding contact with sick animals, should be adhered to," WHO said in a news release. "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."
Health researchers likewise raised concerns that camel traders may be a point for possible transmission because by drinking raw camel milk, these traders could be transferring the virus from the animals to the human population.
Individuals infected with MERS suffer from fever, shortness of breath, pneumonia, gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, and cough. It is also known to be more severe in individuals who already have compromised immune systems.
Since 2012, there have been 1,190 documented cases of MERS. The disease has already caused some 440 deaths worldwide.
Photo: David Amsler | Flickr
