Topic: Mers

Early reports from January 2020 detail a new flu-like virus emerging from a seafood market in Wuhan, China. Health officials confirmed human-to-human transmission, drawing comparisons to the 2003 SARS outbreak. The news highlights the potential impact on the global economy, specifically regarding aviation, luxury goods, and Apple's supply chain through Foxconn.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau entered self-isolation after his wife, Sophie, tested positive for COVID-19, though he remained asymptomatic and was advised against testing. Science journalist David Quammen explains the nature of zoonotic diseases, noting that bats often serve as reservoir hosts for coronaviruses like SARS and MERS due to their diverse species and evolutionary traits.

The hosts question the viability of a coronavirus vaccine, noting that no successful vaccine was ever developed for MERS or SARS. They discuss the theory that the virus may naturally degenerate or "turn into dust" before a vaccine can be brought to market. This uncertainty contrasts with the high-speed "Operation Warp Speed" efforts currently underway.

Science journalist David Quammen and author Sonia Shah discussed the link between environmental crises and zoonotic diseases. They explained that bats serve as "reservoir hosts" for viruses like SARS, MERS, and the current coronavirus, often without showing symptoms themselves. As human activity like deforestation increases contact with wildlife, these microbes are more likely to "spill over" into human populations.

Hillary Clinton appeared on Fareed Zakaria's show to criticize the Trump administration's handling of the coronavirus and alleged budget cuts at the CDC. Clinton mistakenly claimed the SARS epidemic occurred during the Obama administration, when it actually took place in 2002-2004 under George W. Bush. The hosts label her a "horrible human being" for spreading misinformation while claiming she does not want to "point fingers."

CBS News reported on new travel restrictions for foreign nationals visiting Iran and warnings against travel to Italy and South Korea. The segment included a historical look back at the 2012 MERS outbreak to provide context for the current coronavirus situation. The administration is currently pressuring the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates by 50 basis points to protect the economy from the outbreak's impact.

The MERS outbreak in South Korea prompts a discussion on World Health Organization (WHO) advisories. The hosts highlight a specific warning against drinking raw camel milk or urine. They explore the traditional medicinal uses of camel urine in the Middle East for treating skin diseases, dandruff, and liver swelling, noting its perceived benefits for hair luster.

South Korea's central bank cut interest rates to a record low to combat the economic fallout from a MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) outbreak. The government is concerned that fear of the virus will cause consumer spending to freeze, particularly in the country's massive shopping malls. Max Keiser is quoted suggesting that the financial pressure on populations like Greece can lead to extreme social consequences.

The hosts discuss the emerging trend of camel milk as a "superfood" with purported cures for autism, cancer, and diabetes. They note the irony of MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) being linked to camels while the milk is marketed for health benefits. The segment also briefly mentions reports from India regarding the medicinal use of camel urine.

The show concludes with a clip of Harry Reid abruptly ending a hearing because he has "places to go." The hosts briefly mention the MERS virus as a potential "SARS" style media scare and note that Halsey Miner starting a Bitcoin company might signal the end of the current crypto cycle. Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak sign off until Sunday.

The first United States case of the Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus has been detected in a male health worker in Indiana. The patient traveled from Riyadh via London and Chicago before being diagnosed with the potentially fatal respiratory illness. Comparisons are drawn between MERS and the SARS virus, noting the high mortality rate associated with the Middle Eastern outbreak.

Saudi officials advise pilgrims to wear masks to protect against the MERS coronavirus. The hosts also mention a story about a Saudi princess who posted $5 million bail in a human trafficking case in California, which they view as evidence of modern slavery being practiced by Saudi elites.

The hosts discuss the systematic dismantling of the U.S. Postal Service by Congress. They link this to the MERS (Mortgage Electronic Registration System) scandal, suggesting the banks want the USPS to collapse to avoid RICO charges related to illegal foreclosures and the lack of physical paper trails for titles.

John C. Dvorak reveals that his family is currently under attack by Bank of America, which is attempting to foreclose on a mortgage that has never missed a payment in 18 years. He is working with Washington state banking regulators to fight the bank, which he claims is using the fraudulent MERS system to seize property.

A former employee of MERS (Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems) describes the company's database as a primary cause of the foreclosure crisis due to inaccurate record-keeping. In a separate discussion, a telecommunications expert explains that the government keeps cell tower power low to maximize license fees from a higher number of individual cells.