Saudi Arabia’s death toll from the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus has surged to 282 after recalculations, Xinhua news agency reports citing the country’s Health Ministry.

A total of 688 cases have been reported in the Gulf kingdom since the first case was detected in 2012, with 53 patients currently receiving treatment.

A previous review by the ministry put total cases at 575 with 190 deaths.

The review was carried out to ensure a more accurate understanding of the virus outbreak in the country, and to enhance policy development process and measures to address the situation.

The Saudi government has been criticised by international health experts over its handling of MERS which has spread to Middle East, Asia and the United States.

- Bernama