More MERS cases detected in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health announced on August 24 that the number of patients being treated for MERS virus infection has increased to 65, with the discovery of 7 new cases of infection over the weekend.

Deputy Health Minister Dr. Abdulaziz Bin Saeed said Saudi Arabia has taken necessary measures to prevent the spread of the disease. He said a total of 53 people, including four medical staff, have been infected with MERS at the hospital.

To date, MERS has been present in more than 25 countries around the world. Photo: Reuters

According to the Saudi Arabian Deputy Health Minister, 17 patients have died and 32 others are still being treated in hospital, three patients are currently quarantined at home and one has been discharged after treatment.

Saudi Arabia first detected the MERS virus in 2012 and since then a total of 1,141 patients have been infected with this deadly virus. MERS, whose full name is Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona, is a respiratory disease caused by a virus, the same coronavirus strain as the virus that causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the common cold.

MERS has now spread to more than 25 countries worldwide. It can cause symptoms ranging from flu-like aches and pains to pneumonia and kidney failure, but the disease has a much higher fatality rate than SARS in 2003. There is currently no vaccine or treatment.

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