Another patient died recently in South Korea amid an outbreak of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers) bringing total fatalities to 16.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently warned that the outbreak is “large and complex” with further cases expected.
Below are 5 things you should know about the deadly Mers virus
1. Mers is caused by a coronavirus, a type of virus which includes the common cold and Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).
2. It is not known how it is transmitted which makes it really deadly.
3. The first known case emerged in the Middle East in 2012 with the first death recorded in Saudi Arabia in June 2012.
4. Symptoms include fever, cough and breathing difficulties. Mers can also cause Pneumonia and Kidney failure.
5. There is no known vaccine or specific treatment and approximately 36% of reported patients have died.
S.O.Z