MERS infections in S.Korea increase to 145 with 7 more cases

Workers in full protective gear disinfect the floor of a subway station in Seoul, South Korea, June 11, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

SEOUL - Infections with the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) increased to 145 Sunday since the first case was reported on May 20, with seven more cases added, the health ministry said.

Among the new cases were four people diagnosed with the MERS from the 14th patient at the Samsung Medical Center in Seoul for three days from May 27, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

The 141st male patient, 42, contracted the virus after accompanying an outpatient to the Samsung hospital. It was the second case infected outside of the emergency room of the Samsung hospital.

The total number catching the corona virus at the Samsung hospital rose to 72. Excluding the two cases, all took the virus at the emergency room.

The 145th male patient, 37, was tested positive after accompanying the 76th patient as rescuer in the ambulance. The ambulance driver was confirmed positive Saturday.

One more case was discovered each at the Daecheong Hospital in the central city of Daejeon and the Hallym University Medical Center in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. The two cases were an infection within hospitals.

No death was reported Sunday, leaving the death toll at 14. Ten infectees have been discharged from hospitals, and 121 people are under treatment.