Concern is growing about the risks from the new Middle Eastern respiratory virus, world experts warned yesterday.
A World Health Organisation summit warned of "systemic weaknesses in infection prevention and control."
And it warned the virus could find its way to some of the world’s most vulnerable countries.
The MERS-CoV virus is thought to have originated in bats and been spread by camels.
It has centred on Saudi Arabia, where reports suggest it has spread through some hospitals.
The UK raised the alarm this week after two travellers passing through Heathrow Airport were found to be infected.
The WHO summit stopped sort of declaring a public health emergency.
But it warned of a recent "sharp rise" in cases and gaps in critical information about the disease.
Following the summit, WHO has agreed to undertake a series of urgent measures, including providing support to vulnerable countries in Africa and raising awareness about the virus.
There will be new advice about mass gatherings, such as the annual Hajj to Mecca, to try to prevent spread of the disease.
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