Saudi Mers infections up ahead of haj pilgrimage
RIYADH • The number of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (Mers-CoV) infections has soared in Saudi Arabia ahead of the haj pilgrimage season, forcing the closure of the emergency ward of King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh. The Saudi Gazette said yesterday "at least 46 people, including hospital staff" contracted Mers.
The latest deaths occurred in Riyadh, and the three victims were all Saudis aged between 65 and 86, the health ministry said.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Jimmy Carter begins brain-cancer treatment
WASHINGTON • Former US president Jimmy Carter, 90, said he has cancerous tumours on his brain and was scheduled to begin radiation treatment yesterday .
Recent liver surgery revealed he had cancer, which spread to other parts of his body.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Board has up to 4 months to review Pistorius ruling
CAPE TOWN • South Africa's parole review board has up to four months to make its decision on when paralympic gold medallist Oscar Pistorius can be released from prison, a Justice Ministry spokesman said yesterday .
Pistorius, 28, had been due to be released into house arrest today after serving 10 months of a five-year sentence for killing his girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp in 2013.
REUTERS