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Mers virus
AsiaEast Asia

South Korea confirms 32nd fatality from Mers as mortality rate rises

A 55-year-old man died on Saturday of Middle East Respiratory Disease, putting the latest mortality rate at 17.5 per cent.

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The total number of infections remained unchanged at 182 and fifteen patients were in critical condition, the health ministry said. Photo: Xinhua

South Korea on Sunday reported its 32nd death from Mers as the virus’s mortality rate continued to rise even as the pace of the outbreak appeared to slow.

A 55-year-old man died on Saturday of Middle East Respiratory Disease, the health ministry said, putting the latest mortality rate at 17.5 per cent.

That is up from 15 per cent a week ago and 10 per cent two weeks ago, though still lower than World Health Organisation figures which put the mortality rate for the disease at around 36 per cent.

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The man was diagnosed on June 9 after contracting the virus at Samsung Medical Centre in Seoul – the epicentre of the outbreak where about 90 patients, visitors and medical staff had been infected.

The total number of infections remained unchanged at 182 and fifteen patients were in critical condition, the health ministry said.

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A total of 91 patients have recovered and been released from hospital, including one on Saturday, according to the ministry.

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