South Korea reports no MERS infection for 11 days, no death for 5 days

South Korea reported no new case of infection with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) for 11 straight days Thursday, indicating the end of the MERS crisis is 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 has recently showed signs of abating. In the past 19 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 five days since July 12, leaving the fatality rate at 19.4 percent.

One more patient was discharged from a hospital as she completely recovered after being infected. The discharge number increased to 133.

Excluding the dead and those discharged, 17 patients are under treatment.

The number of those quarantined fell from 322 on Wednesday to 258 on Thursday.