Scientists discover new virus: is humanity in danger?

Scientists discover new virus: is humanity in danger?

São Paulo, Brasilien - scientists have made an alarming discovery: a new Coronavirus that is closely related to the dreaded Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers) was discovered in bats in South America. The study carried out in cooperation with the University of Hong Kong shows that this virus may be transferred to humans. According to the British "Daily Mail", 423 samples from the mouth and intestinal area of bats were examined, and seven new coronaviruses were identified, including the Mers-like trunk. The health expert Dr. Bruna Silverio from the University of São Paulo warns that it is still unclear whether the virus can infect people, but the first suspicion of possible transferability remains. This news has large risks, since Mers has a frightening mortality rate of around 35 percent, as has already been documented in many countries.

threat from Mers

Mers, which is transmitted by contact with dromedar or infected persons, causes severe respiratory diseases that are associated with high fever, cough and shortness of breath. It is particularly worrying that MERS infections can often lead to serious complications such as pneumonia or kidney failure. The current discovery leads to intensive research; The new virus variants are transported to China, where they are to be subjected to further tests. However, such experimentation are not undisputed and arouse memories of the origins of Covid-19 pandemic, in which similar research activities were criticized, explains a virologist. In view of the current situation, preventive monitoring of the bat populations is essential in order to minimize the risk of transmission to humans.

As the US health authorities report, Mers is not only a threat to the regions of the Middle East, but could also be a risk for travelers from other countries. In addition to the fever and shortness of breath already mentioned, the most common symptoms also include digestive problems. So far there is no vaccine, and the World Health Organization recommends avoiding the contact with dromedaries and taking basic hygiene measures to avoid infection. If symptoms occur, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible. This urgency is increased by the fact that the last known MERS cases are often related to travel to the Arabian Peninsula.

More information about Mers can be found on the website of the CDC , which continues to demand vigilance to prevent possible outbreaks.

The current events for the new coronavirus variants were reported by the website OE24 Need underlining constant surveillance.