SEOUL - South Korea on Thursday reported no new infection of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers) for 11 days and no death for five days.

This indicates the end of the Mers outbreak is nearing, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

The total number of cases has remained at 186 since July 6, according to the ministry.

The spread of the Mers virus in South Korea has recently shown signs of abating, Xinhua said. In the past 19 days, only four new cases were reported.

The government may declare an end to the Mers outbreak by early August, said the report.

The death toll has remained at 36 for five days since July 12, leaving the fatality rate at 19.4 per cent.