South Korea reports 10th death from MERS virus

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea has reported a 10th death from the MERS virus, although officials maintain they believe the disease has peaked.

The outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome has caused panic in South Korea. It has killed 10 and infected more than 120 people since the first case, a 68-year-old man who had traveled to the Middle East, was diagnosed on May 20.

Most of the deaths so far have been of people who had been suffering from pre-existing medical conditions, such as respiratory problems or cancer. About 3,800 people remained isolated Thursday after possible contact with infected people, according to the Health Ministry.

More than 2,600 schools and kindergartens across South Korea were closed Thursday.

• South Korea