Corona Virus Gone Wild

An alarming surge of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) was recorded in the UAE and Saudi Arabia last month. The World Health Organization has reported two new cases in the UAE, which were tracked to the same hospital in Abu Dhabi, where the most recent cases were discovered. Sixteen people have been infected in the Emirates after coming in contact with a Filipino paramedic, who has since died in the UAE emirate of Al Ain, according to The National daily newspaper. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia also confirmed seven new cases, bringing the total number of those infected in the Kingdom to 81. The deadly SARS-like corona virus kills about a third of those who contract it and has reportedly struck 261 people in Saudi Arabia alone over the past two years. MERS has no known vaccine or treatment; however, the disease, which originated in camels, does not transmit easily between humans and health authorities say it may simply die out. In the meantime, its powers remain quite potent and, unfortunately, highly active in the region.