Saudi Arabia reports 10 new MERS coronavirus cases

Saudi Arabia on Thursday announced ten new Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus cases, adding the total number of cases to 371, including 107 deaths. The Saudi Health Ministry highlighted on its portal that of the total new cases, two are receiving healthcare at the ICU, six at wards and two without symptoms. Three of the cases are in Riyadh, four in Jeddah and three in Macca. The world's first case was reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and the country has remained with the majority of cases. To tackle the spreading of the infection, the country's health minister has appointed a council of medical advisors with extensive experience in infectious diseases. The ten-member council will work under the direction of the minister and advise the ministry on the status and severity of MERS corona virus, as well as the management of existing cases. In addition Saudi Arabia has opened three Specialist Health Centers in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam to ensure that suitable treatment facilities be available for those affected.