S. Korea reports first MERS deaths to growing alarm

SEOUL (AFP) – South Korea on Tuesday reported its first deaths from the MERS virus, following the largest outbreak outside the Middle East that has infected 25 people and triggered widespread public alarm.

A 58-year-old woman died of acute respiratory failure on Monday and tests later came back positive for MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), the health ministry said.

The other victim was a 71-year-old man who was confirmed to have the virus several days ago and who died on Tuesday.

Previously, the only other fatal MERS case in Asia was a man who died in Malaysia in April 2014.

Six more South Koreans were diagnosed with the MERS virus Monday night, the ministry said, bringing the total number of people infected to 25 including the two deceased.

The first case -- a 68-year-old man diagnosed after returning from a trip to Saudi Arabia -- was reported on May 20.

Around 750 people who were exposed directly or indirectly to the virus have now been placed under mandatory or voluntary quarantine.

Health Minister Moon Hyung-Pyo appealed to anyone placed under voluntary quarantine for the two-week incubation period to observe isolation guidelines.

''Those who are quarantined must be experiencing a lot of inconvenience in their daily lives, but please closely cooperate for the safety of yourself, your families and your neighbors,'' Moon said.

He also urged citizens to wear surgical face masks in public places and to wash their hands frequently in order to ward off infection.