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New MERS virus more deadly than SARS

Epidemiologists investigating a new respiratory virus that has killed 38, say it spreads easily between people and is more deadly than SARS. More than 60 cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome have been reported so far, mostly in Saudi Arabia. The new coronavirus is related to SARS, which claimed 800 lives following the 2003 pandemic . Researchers probing MERS say it can spread quickly, particularly in hospitals and one sufferer can infect many. The fatality rate of the MERS in Saudi Arabia stands at 68 percent, 60 percent higher than SARS. Symptoms usually involve an initial fever and cough before pneumonia develops. The origin of the virus is unknown, but it is thought that animals are involved, either bats, camels or goats. One hypothesis is that infected bats may be contaminating foods like dates. Medics admit a reliable method of treatment is yet to be found.