BBC Learning English

Words in the News

Middle East virus possibly
spread by camels
12 May 2014
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Words in the News British Broadcasting Corporation 2014
Page 1 of 2
bbclearningenglish.com



Saudi Arabia has issued its strongest warning so far over the possible connection
between camels and a virus that has killed more than one hundred people in the country.
The virus, known as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, has infected nearly five
hundred people in Saudi Arabia. Sebastian Usher reports for the BBC:

Saudis who handle camels have been told to wear protective clothing - masks and
gloves. In a statement, the Ministry of Agriculture advised people to avoid contact with
the animals if they can and to drink only boiled camel milk.

The Ministry is responding to increasing concern from health experts that camels are the
likeliest carriers of the SARS-like virus, MERS, which has spread across much of the
Middle East, but is at its most virulent in Saudi Arabia.

The camel remains a key part of traditional Saudi life. Some farmers have scoffed at
the warnings, with one posting a video of himself hugging and kissing his camels, asking
one to sneeze into his face.



Words in the News British Broadcasting Corporation 2014
Page 2 of 2
bbclearningenglish.com


Vocabulary and definitions

handle touch or work with
advised warned or told
carriers (here) animals that spread a disease
virulent dangerous and fast-spreading
a key part an important part
scoffed laughed at or showed no respect for something they were
told



Read and listen to the story and the vocabulary online:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2014/05/140512_witn_camels.shtml

Related story:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-27337627