New death in Saudi Arabia from SARS-Like

Saudi Arabia said another person died of the SARS-like coronavirus MERS and six new cases were registered, as international experts said countries should standardize their approach to treating the disease. The latest cases bring the total number infected worldwide to 70, with 39 having died since MERS was identified last year. The experts meeting at the World Health Organization's Cairo office said countries should enhance surveillance for acute respiratory illness, quickly investigate clusters of pneumonia and report confirmed or probable MERS cases within 24 hours, Reuters reported. "Fast and complete reporting of cases, with contact histories, clinical care and treatment outcomes in as much detail as possible, and collected in a uniform manner across countries, is necessary," they said in an emailed statement. Most of the cases so far have been in Saudi Arabia, where 55 people have been confirmed as having the disease, of whom 33 have died. The kingdom hosts millions of pilgrims each year for the annual hajj pilgrimage. The experts said in a statement after the meeting on Saturday that countries hosting mass gatherings where MERS was a risk should develop specific plans, without giving details. While the hajj does not take place this year until October, many Muslim pilgrims from around the world are expected to head for Mecca next month during the fast of Ramadan. On Thursday, Saudi Arabia confirmed four new cases, including three health workers, who have all recovered. Researchers said Middle-East Respiratory Syndrome, or MERS, is even more deadly than SARS and is easily transmitted in healthcare environments. The disease can cause coughing, fever and pneumonia and has spread from the Persian Gulf to France, Germany, Italy and Britain.