The Saudi Health Ministry announced seven new cases of the corona virus, known as Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and one death.

The new cases bring to 1141 the number of cases detected in Saudi Arabia since June 2012, a statement by the ministry said Saturday.

The statement added that 487 cases died and 592 cases were cured, while 41 cases are still receiving treatment along with six other cases isolated in their homes.

There is a noticeable increase in the number of cases detected in Riyadh. Thirty-eight cases in addition to the seven cases of today were reported by the ministry over the past five days.