DOHA, March 8 (KUNA) -- Qatar said that a 65-year-old Qatari man has been tested positive for the deadly respiratory MERS-Cov, which has infected at least 965 people worldwide, of whom some 357 have died.
Qatar's Supreme Council of Health said the man was showing signs of several chronic diseases, including a fever, coughing and a sore throat before being admitted to Hamad Medical Corporation for necessary treatment.
Initial diagnosis additionally revealed an acute lung infection, and laboratory tests returned positive for MERS-Cov, the health authority said in a statement.
Investigations have revealed that the patient did not leave the country over the past two weeks, neither did he come into contact with a known carrier. However, he is known to be a camels and livestock owner.
Health authorities are continuing their investigations into the people who have come into contact with the man, in addition to his recent surroundings and circumstances behind his infection.
The precise transmission of the virus remains unknown according to research and tests conducted locally, the statement added, however there seems to be a connection between the virus and human contact with camels, in particular. (end) nnd.sd