World Briefs: Saudi Mers infections up ahead of haj pilgrimage

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

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 21, 2015, with the headline World Briefs: Saudi Mers infections up ahead of haj pilgrimage. Subscribe