MERS-CoV Antibodies in Humans, Africa, 2013–2014

Abstract

Dromedaries in Africa and elsewhere carry the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). To search for evidence of autochthonous MERS-CoV infection in humans, we tested archived serum from livestock handlers in Kenya for MERS-CoV antibodies. Serologic evidence of infection was confirmed for 2 persons sampled in 2013 and 2014.

Keywords

• Middle East respiratory syndrome
• MERS-CoV
• coronavirus
• antibodies
• livestock keepers
• humans