DHAKA: Public fears have been fuelled by a rapid rise in the number of fatalities from the respiratory infection, with 31 people dying this month, almost a third of the 94 deaths registered since the virus emerged in April 2012.

A 63-year-old woman, who had also suffered chronic illness, died of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome on Saturday in the western city of Jeddah, and a 78-year-old man died of MERS in Riyadh.

Saudi health ministry said on Sunday, reports The Straits Times.

It said the total number of cases diagnosed since the virus was first recorded in the kingdom has reached 323, representing the bulk of infections registered globally.

BDST: 2101 HRS, APR 27, 2014