Doctors warned of deadly 'cameline flu' symptoms as World Cup fans return to England

Cases of the deadly flu could now rise due to the large number of fans who flocked to Qatar for the World Cup and who may have been exposed to camels Nearly 1,000 people have died from cameline flu in recent years (

Image: PA)

Medical staff across England have been put on alert for deadly signs of cameline flu as World Cup fans return from Qatar.

Flu cases could now increase due to the large number of fans who flocked to the Middle Eastern country for the tournament and who may have been exposed to camels.

The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has urged doctors to monitor people with breathing difficulties and fever.

The disease is more deadly than Covid-19, with more than a third of its patients dying, compared to less than 4% of Covid patients.

A guide wearing a Lionel Messi Argentina shirt with a camel during the FIFA World Cup (file photo) (

Picture:

Offside via Getty Images)

A briefing note was sent by the HSA, according to , stating: "Clinicians and public health teams should be particularly alert to the possibility of MERS in returning World Cup travellers.

“The risk of infection for UK residents is very low, but may be higher in those exposed to specific risk factors in the region, such as camels.

“MERS can be contracted through close contact with camels or through the consumption of camel products, for example unpasteurized camel milk.”

The briefing also warned against "person-to-person transmission".

There had already been two cases reported in Qatar this year, both of which had been exposed to camels, he added.

Between April 2012 and October 2022, there were 2,600 cases in 12 countries in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. Of those cases, 935 people have died – 36 percent...