MERS Update: South Korea Shuts Down Almost 2000 Schools

 

MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)), which recently broke out in Southern part of Korea is spreading much faster than the Authorities envisaged leading to the closing down of almost 2000 schools in the region.

South Korea now has the second highest number of infections in the world after Saudi Arabia, according to statistics from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

The health ministry on Monday reported 23 new infections, bringing the total to 87. Six people have so far died in the outbreak.

Reflecting public concern among parents, 1,869 schools across the country are due to be closed on Monday, the education ministry said.

The government, under criticism for a lack of transparency and failing to respond swiftly to the outbreak, also said it would track people who may have been in contact with patients through their mobile phones.