New deaths from MERS virus reported in the Gulf

Woman dies, her husband and son also infected but said to be in stable condition

Illustrative. Palestinian schoolchildren wearing protective masks during an outbreak of a virus in 2009 (photo credit: Wissam Nassar/Flash 90)
Illustrative. Palestinian schoolchildren wearing protective masks during an outbreak of a virus in 2009 (photo credit: Wissam Nassar/Flash 90)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Health authorities in the capital of the United Arab Emirates said a woman has died from a SARS-like virus that has been centered in neighboring Saudi Arabia.

The health authority in Abu Dhabi reported the death of the Jordanian woman from Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, or MERS, on Tuesday. Her husband and son have also contracted the virus. It said they are in stable condition.

The World Health Organization said in a separate statement issued Monday that two other patients confirmed to be suffering from MERS in nearby Qatar have also died, on November 19 and 29.

The WHO’s Monday statement said there have been 70 deaths from MERS, mostly in Saudi Arabia. The virus is related to the SARS virus, which killed about 800 people in 2003.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

Most Popular
read more:
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.