The 11^th death from the outbreak of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in South Korea has been confirmed. On Friday, South Korea's Health Ministry said the 11th death is that of a 72-year-old woman, adding that she previously had pneumonia.

Most deaths from the outbreak were of those who already had pre-existing medical conditions.

Like Us on Facebook

The 11^th death from MERS in South Korea brings the total number of people who have contracted the disease to 126.

The first case in the country was detected just over three weeks ago. A South Korean businessman who had gone to a trip in the Middle East came back home with symptoms. He had already gone to several clinics and hospitals before his symptoms were suspected of being something worse than pneumonia. By the time health officials found out it was MERS, it was too late, and the virus had spread.

Even though the outbreak can only be found contained within medical institutions, it has caused undue widespread panic, reported The Times of India.

Recently, health officials said that the outbreak may have already reached its peak since the number of new infections are dwindling. They added that it would be unlikely that another massive wave of infections would take place.

The officials based their belief on the view that the virus only has a maximum incubation period of two weeks for those infected in hospitals, according to The Associated Press.

Patients in a few hospitals had not reached the maximum of their incubation period yet, but officials are positive that there would be little chance of more infection if people who had contact with these patients are properly quarantined.

Even if the current MERS outbreak is said to have peaked, South Korea sealed off two of its hospitals. At least 133 people, including patients and staff, are inside the hospitals.

According to officials, they would be sealed off for a minimum of 11 days, considering the virus' incubation period.

"No patients can get out of their rooms," according to a Seoul city government official. "Nurses in protective gear are giving them food. No one can get in from outside."

The number of MERS cases has totaled to 1,275 globally, while related deaths has totaled to 450, according to WHO data.

WHO experts as well as Saudi Arabian health officials are now in South Korea to help the government. They will be meeting with authorities today, according to RTE News.

TagsMERS 11th death, MERS, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, SARS, MERS south korea, MERS outbreak