Biphasic MERS-CoV Incidence in Nomadic Dromedaries with Putative Transmission to Humans, Kenya, 2022–2023

A new publication by members of the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology and their collaborators was recently published focusing on the Biphasic MERS-CoV Incidence in Nomadic Dromedaries with Putative Transmission to Humans, Kenya, 2022–2023.

In the publication, the team discuss Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is endemic in dromedaries in Africa, but camel-to-human transmission is limited. Sustained 12-month sampling of dromedaries in a Kenya abattoir hub showed biphasic MERS-CoV incidence; peak detections occurred in October 2022 and February 2023. Dromedary-exposed abattoir workers (7/48) had serologic signs of previous MERS-CoV exposure.

This pivotal research on MERS-CoV within the One Health framework—linking the health of people, animals, and our environment in Kenya—is truly commendable. The efforts by the entire research team and collaborators is lighting the path for future global health security.

To read the publication, click here