MERS, or Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome, virus likely to reach Australia, health authorities warn
Updated
A deadly virus that started in the Middle East is likely to come to Australia, health authorities warn.
Almost 200 people around the world have died and 600 have become sick from Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) since it was identified in 2012.
Australia's chief medical officer Professor Chris Baggoley has just returned from Geneva where he chairs the World Health Organisation's committees on the MERS virus.
He says the disease is likely to come here.
"There have been cases now in 11 countries," he said. "I think we could well get a case."
MERS started in the Middle East and has since been detected around the world. It is related to the deadly SARS virus, which killed 800 people in 2002.
The virus is considered less contagious but more deadly than SARS.
People travelling to affected areas such as the Middle East have been warned to be vigilant.
"If we get a case, we are well prepared," Professor Baggoley said.
MERS virus in Australia but no human cases
To date there have been no cases of MERS in Australia, but there are samples of the virus in the CSIRO's high-security laboratories in Geelong.
Researchers have been studying samples of MERS in their labs for the past 12 months.
They are looking at the genetic make-up of the virus and how different immune systems respond in the hope of finding screening tests.
Researchers are also screening Australian camels for the virus. The MERS virus is spread to humans through contact with camels.
There are about 300,000 camels in central Australia and some are exported to the Middle East.
CSIRO researcher in emerging zoonotic disease Gary Crameri says it is unlikely Australian camels have the virus.
"But we do have the bat species [in Australia] that were the original reservoirs of the virus," he said.
"Although we've only had camels here for just over 100 years it's unlikely, but it's certainly a possibility."
Mr Crameri says no Australian bats or camels have tested positive for MERS.
Virus starting to spread
The World Health Organisation says there have been 632 confirmed cases of MERS infection globally and 193 deaths.
In the Middle East, the virus has appeared in people who deal with camels and spread to health workers caring for them.
There were two unlinked cases in May in the United States. One was in Indiana and the other in Florida.
Both were healthcare workers who had been working in the Middle East.
A contact of the Indiana patient in Illinois also tested positive for the virus but only reported mild cold-like symptoms.
Map: Map of MERS cases around world
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