S. Korea reports sixth MERS death

Seoul

South Korea recorded its sixth death and biggest single-day jump in Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) infections today, with 23 new cases in the largest outbreak of the potentially deadly virus outside Saudi Arabia.

From just four cases two weeks ago, the total number of infections now stands at 87, including six people who have died. 

The latest fatality was an 80-year-old man who died yesterday morning in a hospital in Daejeon, 140 kilometres (87 miles) south of Seoul, the health ministry said.

Among the new cases announced yesterday, most were infected at the Samsung Medical Centre in southern Seoul, one of the country's largest hospitals where nearly 900 patients and staff have now been placed under observation. 

A 16-year-old student became the first teenage case, but the education ministry stressed he had contracted the virus while already in hospital, so it was "not possible" that he had infected any classmates at school. 

The outbreak has triggered widespread public concern in South Korea, with 2,500 people placed under quarantine orders and nearly 2,000 schools, mostly in Seoul and surrounding Gyeonggi province, closed down. 

But, experts say the likelihood of a serious epidemic is remote, given that the MERS virus is not easily transmitted person-to-person.

Among the new cases announced yesterday, most were infected at the Samsung Medical Centre in southern Seoul, one of the country's largest hospitals where nearly 900 patients and staff have now been placed under observation.

Meanwhile, a 16-year-old student became the first teenage case, but the education ministry stressed he had contracted the virus while already in hospital, so it was "not possible" that he had infected any classmates at school.

All the infections, so far have been restricted to hospitals.