Photo: ibtimes.com
(VOVworld) - The Republic of Korea's Health Ministry reported on Saturday three more cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), bringing the total to 169, yet no more death. It confirmed the 25th fatality, a patient who had suffered a heart ailment and diabetes. The ministry later reported that all the new infected cases, including a doctor of the Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, were suspected of having contacts with MERS patients. The ministry said on Friday the outbreak which was first confirmed on May 20 seems to have levelled off. A total of 175 people were exposed to Thailand's only case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and the patient's condition has improved. In a statement, the ministry said it had been in touch with all 175 people and had instructed them to stay away from public spaces and allow medical personnel to monitor their health condition.
On Friday, Thai Health Minister Rajata Rajatanavin told reporters the chances of a MERS outbreak in Thailand like the one in South Korea were low as the authorities had isolated the patient quickly. The virus was first detected in Thailand in a 75-year-old man from Oman who traveled to Bangkok for treatment of a heart condition.