South Korea confirmed on Wednesday that nine people have died of the fatal MERS virus, while the number of cases continues to rise with 13 additional patients listed on the same day - increasing the overall number of infected people to 108.

Experts say this is the largest outbreak outside of Saudi Arabia where the MERS virus was first recorded. According to the Asian Correspondent, over 2,000 schools and 20 universities did not have classes on Wednesday.

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Meanwhile, nearly 3000 people have been quarantined. Authorities have revealed that MERS is being transferred from one patient to another in hospitals. Generally, people (i.e.medical staff and their relatives) who are also in close contact with affected patients are also in danger of contracting the virus.

According to Sky News, the outbreak of MERS in the country can be traced to a 68-year-old businessman, who came from a trip in the Middle East. He reportedly visited several hospitals and clinics and infected other people before it was discovered that he had MERS.

Meanwhile, many countries all over Asia have already issued travel advisories informing their citizens to avoid travelling to South Korea.

On Monday, Singaporean officials cancelled school trips to South Korea out of precaution.  Hong Kong issued a "red alert" advisory on Tuesday against travelling to South Korea for unimportant reasons, while the embassy of Thailand in Seoul warned Thais to be careful when travelling to South Korea.

There is no vaccine yet for the MERS virus, but experts believe that it is not airborne and can only be spread through close contact with an infected patient. The first recorded death due to MERS was on June 2012 in Saudi Arabia. Since then, many people have died from this deadly disease.

In order to address this alarming concern, South Korea has also issued a red alert on outbound travel yesterday after issuing a travel health advice the day before. This is the first time that the country has issued a red alert due to health reasons.

The Standard reported that South Korean authorities have been criticized for indecisiveness and lack of coordination specifically between the Food and Health Bureau and the Security Bureau.

Meanwhile, group tours bound to South Korea have been cancelled for the month except for cruises, the Travel Industry Council confirmed. Those who booked thir tours before June 1 may get refunds, whibut solo travellers who already paid for tickets and booked hotels may not.

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