Saudi Arabia reports another fatality from new, SARS-like virus; total deaths now at 55
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia says one more person has died from a new respiratory virus related to SARS, bringing to 55 the number of deaths in the kingdom at the centre of the outbreak.
The Health Ministry said Sunday that the 37-year-old man died in Riyadh. He was among 130 people who have been infected with the virus in Saudi Arabia since September last year.
The new virus is related to SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome, which killed some 800 people in a global outbreak in 2003. It belongs to a family of viruses that most often causes the common cold.
It emerged in the Middle East and can cause rapid kidney failure but doesn’t seem as infectious as SARS. It has been dubbed MERS, or Middle East respiratory syndrome.
News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Join the Conversation!
Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.