S. Korea reports no MERS infection for 9 days

A woman wearing a mask to prevent contracting Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) rests under a bridge at the Han river park in Seoul, South Korea, June 22, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

SEOUL - South Korea reported no new case of infection with the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) for nine straight days on Tuesday, indicating the end of the MERS crisis nearing, the health ministry said.

The total contagion cases were unchanged at 186 since July 6, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

The spread of the MERS corona virus recently showed signs of abating. In the past 17 days, only four cases were reported. The government may declare an end to the MERS crisis no later than early-August.

The death toll had no change at 36 for three days in a row, leaving the fatality rate at 19.4 percent.

One more patient was discharged from a hospital as he completely recovered after being infected. The combined discharge number increased to 131.

Excluding the dead and those discharged, 19 patients are under treatment. Among them, four are in unstable conditions.

The number of those quarantined rose from 451 on Monday to 410 on Tuesday.