MERS Death Toll in Saudi Arabia Reaches 480 – Health Ministry

Dubai (PNA/Sputnik) — One more person died from the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Saudi Arabia bringing the total death toll to 480, the country’s Ministry of Health reported.

The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome is a viral respiratory disease caused by the MERS-coronavirus. The infection was first identified in 2012 in Saudi Arabia and subsequently spread to other countries.

The statement released by the Ministry of Health on Tuesday, confirmed the death of a 71-year-old man living in the country’s capital Riyadh. The statement also reported about nine other registered MERS cases which brought to 1,115 the total number of infected people and deaths to 480 since 2012.

There is currently no approved vaccine for MERS. People with chronic illnesses or a weak immune system are at a higher risk of contracting the viral respiratory disease. (PNA/Sputnik) FFC/EDS