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209 schools in South Korea close as Mers virus spreads
SEOUL (AFP) - Some 209 primary schools shut down on Wednesday as South Korea struggled to contain an outbreak of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers) virus that has infected 30, killed two and triggered widespread fear.
With the World Health Organisation predicting further infections and the government under fire for its initial response, President Park Geun Hye convened an emergency meeting with top health officials and medical experts to map out a comprehensive quarantine strategy.
Five new cases were reported overnight, making this the largest outbreak outside Saudi Arabia, where the virus has killed more than 400 since 2012.
With new infections being reported on a daily basis, the outbreak has caused nationwide public alarm and seen fearful urban residents stocking up on face masks and hand sanitizers.
