The Ministry of Health of South Korea confirms that the total number of deaths due to the MERS virus at the moment is 16 people, Joinfo.ua informs with reference to Reuters.
The Health Ministry also reported five new cases of infection with the coronavirus. Thus, a total of 150 people in the country are infected with the disease.
It should be recalled that the MERS is a new type of a coronavirus, which combines the elements of the common cold and SARS (Severe acute respiratory syndrome). The first cases of infection were registered in the Middle East in 2012. In June of the same year, in Saudi Arabia was registered the first death. The mode of transmission of the virus is not fully studied. It is possible that it is transmitted through airborne droplets when a sick person coughs or sneezes. Its symptoms include high fever, cough and shortness of breath, however, the MERS can also cause pneumonia and kidney failure.
In South Korea, the first fatal case was registered at the beginning of June.
