South Korea Reports Seventh MERS Death

Local Editor

South Korea had reported its seventh death from the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [MERS], which has recently swept through the country.

On Tuesday, eight new infection cases were also reported, placing the total number of such cases in the country at 95.

Acting Prime Minister Choi Kyung-hwan said during a meeting with top health officials that Seoul is seeking to end the MERS crisis within days.

"So we have decided to... launch an active, all-out response with the goal of ending the MERS crisis within this week," Choi said. He also voiced concern over the threat the deadly virus poses to the country's economy and society.

Further, the country had witnessed widespread public anxiety since the first case was reported on May 20.

More than 2,800 people had been quarantined in the country. Over 2,000 schools had also been temporarily closed in a precautionary measure.

Accordingly, there is no vaccine currently available for the virus. It spreads through close contact with infected people but is not airborne.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team