Football fans returning from the Qatar World Cup have been warned to watch out for "camel flu".

Football fans could be suffering from 'camel flu' after the World Cup

Football fans could be suffering from 'camel flu' after the World Cup

Supporters have been told to look out for signs of the potentially lethal respiratory illness that can cause coughing, vomiting and a fever.

Middle eastern respiratory syndrome (Mers) can be contracted through close contact with camels, the UK Health Security Agency says.

The body has warned doctors in Britain to "be alert" to the prospect of football fans returning from the tournament showing signs of the illness.

A briefing note states: "The risk of infections to UK residents is very low but may be higher in those with exposure to specific risk factors within the region - such as to camels.

"Mers can be acquired from close contact with camels or from consuming camel products eg, unpasteurised camel milk."