MERS death toll in UAE hits 10: Health Ministry
Iran Press TV
Wed Jun 4, 2014 5:2PM GMT
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the latest country to confirm 10 deaths as a result of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), better known as the MERS virus.
The Emirati Health Ministry said on Wednesday that six locals and four foreign nationals have so far died from the MERS disease in the UAE since March 2013.
A total of 68 others have been also confirmed infected with the disease since the country's first case was diagnosed, Health Minister Abdul Rahman al-Owais added.
MERS cases have been identified in 15 other countries including France, Germany, Italy, Tunisia and Britain, with Saudi Arabia being the worst hit.
Riyadh has so far put the death toll at 282 since the disease broke out in 2012.
The number of infected people also rose from 575 to 688, the Saudi Arabia Health Ministry said.
The MERS virus first emerged in the Middle East. It was discovered in September 2012 in a Qatari man who had traveled to Saudi Arabia.
MERS is known to be a deadlier, but less transmissible virus like its cousin SARS that appeared in Asia in 2003.
Like SARS, the MERS disease causes fever, lung infection, breathing problems and coughing. It also causes rapid kidney failure, unlike SARS.
While no travel restrictions have been announced, the World Health Organization has urged health authorities across the world to maintain vigilance.
GMA/AB/SS
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