ALGIERS
Algeria on Tuesday reported its first fatality from the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), commonly known as coronavirus.
A 69-year old man succumbed to the virus late Monday after being quarantined in hospital for 11 days, a medical source told Anadolu Agency.
He had contracted the virus in Saudi Arabia, where he had just performed the Umrah pilgrimage.
MERS, for which no cure currently exists, is known for destroying the lungs and kidneys.
Along with Saudi Arabia, MERS has also been reported in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, Jordan, Egypt and Oman.
It is presumed that long-term physical contact with persons carrying the virus can lead to infection.
www.aa.com.tr/en
