Death toll from MERS infection rises to 4 in S.Korea

Amid growing public fears over the faster-than-expected spread of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus, another death from the deadly contagion has been reported.

The death of the 76-year-old man has brought the total number of the deceased from the viral disease to four in the country since its outbreak on May 20, according to the health ministry.

The ministry added that five new MERS-infection cases have been confirmed, raising the total to 41 by midday today (Friday).

Making things worse, one of the five new patients include a 45-yera-old Air Force chief master sergeant, which recorded the first MERS outbreak in the military. His infection has prompted nearly 80 soldiers to be isolated as part the health authorities' quarantine policy.

The authorities said more than 1,100 schools and kindergartens across the country have shut down their classes, with more educational insititutes expected to join the class suspension.