Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Agriculture plans to attach electronic micro-chips to camels to help track the spread of the deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus, local media reported today, as the death toll in the kingdom rose to 147.

Saudi authorities have also warned people to wear protective gear when dealing with camels, as the animals are thought to be spreading the virus.

The five latest deaths, out of eight new cases of MERS, involved elderly people, the Ministry of Health said in a statement.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) completed a five-day mission to Saudi Arabia last week and is later today set to hold the fifth meeting of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee in Geneva.

The WHO says that the recent surge in the number of cases - 600 globally, according to latest data - is likely attributed to seasonal factors combined with “several outbreaks in hospitals due to breaches in WHO’s recommended infection prevention and control measures”.

Jordan, one of several Middle Eastern nations that has seen the virus spread within its borders, is introducing additional measures at hospitals to safeguard healthcare workers, who are being disproportionately affected.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is stepping up efforts to counter various infectious diseases ahead of the Haj pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina in October.

Yesterday, US health authorities confirmed a second MERS case in the country - a traveller arriving from Saudi Arabia who flew via London.

MERS has similarities to the SARS virus that broke out in Asia in 2003. It is deadlier but has a lower rate of transmission.

Symptoms of the MERS virus include fever, pneumonia and kidney failure.

- dpa