:: The Health Ministry recorded 23 cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus (MERS) during the 25 days of the current hijri month of Dhul Qaada, local media reported.

The ministry recorded the most cases — 13 — in Dumat Al-Jandal in the northwest, followed by Jeddah with three cases, Riyadh with two, and the rest in other parts of the Kingdom including Khamis Mushayt, Madinah and Hail.

Eight cases were due to infection acquired from a health facility, 12 from direct contact with camels, and three are still under investigation.

Dr. Mohamed Abdel Rahman, an infection control consultant, advised people — particularly senior citizens — to take adequate precautions when visiting patients in hospital.

Between July 4 and Aug. 12, Saudi Arabia reported 26 cases of MERS.

Since June 2012, there have been 1,667 cases, including 680 deaths, in various parts of the Kingdom.

MERS is a viral respiratory disease that was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012.