First MERS death outside of Middle East recorded in Malaysia

The first death from the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in Asia outside of the Middle East itself has been recorded in Malaysia. 

The victim is a 54-year old man who had returned from an umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. The victim died on April 13th in Johor, after being admitted for breathing difficulties, a cold, and a fever. 

Although the victim’s diabetes may have exacerbated his condition, the government is reminding all Malaysians travelling to the Middle East in particular to nonetheless be vigilant. 

Channel News Asia reports that Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S Subramaniam said, “We have to take this condition very seriously because of the high incidence of death and it’s a viral infection. We don’t have a specific treatment for it.

“A lot of treatment is supportive and (requires) early diagnosis, so I would advise Malaysians to take this very seriously and protect themselves as much as possible.”

According to the World Health Organization, the MERS virus has claimed 92 lives since 2012. 

The Health Ministry is currently contacting passengers onboard the Turkish Airlines flight taken by the victim on March 29 for health screenings.