Saudi Arabia registers 2 MERS death, 9 new cases

Saudi Arabia registered on Thursday two Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) corona virus fatalities and nine new cases, according to a statement issued by the Saudi Health Ministry.

All deaths and new cases reported are from Riyadh which has been witnessing a rise in the spreading of the virus in the last two weeks.

The latest development has put the total death toll up to 485 since the first reported case in July 2012.

MERS, also known as Coronavirus, causes symptoms similar to colds in individuals it infects.

Saudi Health Minister Khalid Al Faleh announced Wednesday to limit the outbreak of MERS corona virus in Riyadh, expecting more new cases to be reported, according to local newspapers.

Saudi Arabia earlier said that strict measures will be taken to normalize the situation.

"The situation requires caution and prevention, not over-anxiety," the minister said.