South Korea reports one new Mers case, no further fatalities

[SEOUL] South Korea on Saturday reported an additional Mers case, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 182 in the largest outbreak of the deadly virus outside Saudi Arabia.

However, no additional fatalities were reported over the past 24 hours, with the country's death toll from Middle East Respiratory Syndrome standing at 31, the Health Ministry said.

The latest case involved a nurse at a hospital in eastern Seoul who apparently became infected while treating a patient.

Of the 182 confirmed cases, 90 people have been cured and discharged from hospital, 31 have died and 61 others are still being treated, with 13 listed in a critical condition.

Most of the deceased had pre-existing medical conditions, according to the health ministry.

Currently, 2,467 people remain in isolation, down from 2,931 on Friday.

When they show no symptoms past the known incubation period of 14 days, they are released.

AFP