News outlets report on the growing epidemic of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

Agence France-Presse: Two Saudis die of MERS, taking toll to 94
“Two Saudi nationals have died from MERS, taking the death toll from the coronavirus in the worst-hit country to 94, the health ministry said…” (4/27).

Associated Press: Saudi Arabia reports 8 more deaths from MERS virus
“Saudi Arabia’s Health Ministry said Sunday that eight more people have died after contracting a lethal Middle East virus related to SARS as the kingdom grapples with a rising number of infections…” (Al-Shihri, 4/27).

Los Angeles Times: Egypt reports its first case of MERS virus
“With the appearance of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, or MERS, in the Arab world’s most populous country, health officials face a tough new challenge in confronting the often lethal virus…” (King, 4/26).

Reuters: Egypt discovers first case of potentially deadly MERS virus
“Egypt has discovered its first case of the potentially deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in an Egyptian citizen who had recently returned from Saudi Arabia, Egypt’s Ministry of Health said on Saturday…” (Saleh/Mourad, 4/28).

Reuters: Saudi Arabia has 26 more cases of MERS virus, 10 dead
“Saudi Arabia confirmed 26 more cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), which has killed nearly a third of sufferers, and said 10 more people have died from the disease…” (McDowell, 4/28).

Reuters: Experts cast doubt on Saudi push for Middle East virus vaccine
“Official talk in Saudi Arabia of racing to develop a vaccine against a deadly new virus may be a way to reassure a fearful population, but it is scientifically wide of the mark and makes little sense in public health terms…” (Kelland, 4/25).