South Korea reported three more deaths from Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) Tuesday, bringing the death toll to 19, according to Yonhap News Agency

The country also reported four new cases of the viral respiratory illness that put the total number of people diagnosed with the disease at 154.

Medical experts had maintained the disease was mostly critical to the elderly and those with existing health problems.

At least three other hospitals, including Seoul's Boramae Medical Center and the Korea Cancer Center Hospital, have temporarily shut down their emergency rooms, which is where most transmissions occurred after they had unknowingly treated MERS patients or carriers.

Out of 154 people diagnosed with the disease so far, 17 have been discharged following complete recoveries as of Tuesday, the ministry said.

Some 5,580 others are currently in isolation for possible infection after coming in close contact with MERS patients.