IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

South Korea Reports Four New Cases of MERS, Total 126

Ten people who tested positive for the MERS virus have died since the first case was diagnosed in South Korea on May 20.

South Korea's Health Ministry reported on Friday four new cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) bringing the total to 126, the world's largest outbreak outside Saudi Arabia.

Ten people who tested positive for the MERS virus have died, although all had serious pre-existing ailments.

The latest victim who died was a 65-year-old man who had been treated for lung cancer and was hospitalized in the same facility as another MERS patient, the Health Ministry said.

Related: CDC Reminds U.S. Doctors to Watch Out for MERS

The outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome has caused panic in South Korea. The first case was a 68-year-old man who had traveled to the Middle East and was diagnosed on May 20.

About 3,800 people remained isolated Thursday after possible contact with infected people, according to the ministry. More than 2,600 schools and kindergartens across South Korea were closed.