Saudi Arabia has reported a sharp rise in the number of deaths from the MERS virus. On 3 June, the Health Ministry said 282 people have been killed by the virus since 2012, nearly 100 more than initially thought.

Saudi authorities also said there had now been 688 confirmed MERS infections in the kingdom. Before the revision, the number of cases was believed to be 575.

The increase came after a national review of hospital data from the time the virus emerged two years ago.

However, the Health Ministry said in a statement that although this new number reflects a higher total number of illnesses, the new case rate is still declining. Of those infected, 53 were still receiving treatment, the ministry added.

In the wake of the revised figures from Saudi Arabia, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other international organisations are calling for more transparency from the kingdom. The ministry said it is taking steps to ensure a miscount does not occur again, and is setting up a command centre to lead efforts to curb the outbreak of the virus.

On 2 June, the day before the figures were revised, acting Health Minister Adel bin Mohammed Fakieh announced he had relieved Deputy Health Minister Ziad Memish from his post. No explanation was given by the ministry for the sacking of the minister.

Memish is the second senior Saudi health official to lose his job in six weeks following the sacking of Health Minister Abdullah al-Rabeeah in April.

Cases of the virus, for which there is no known cure, have been confirmed in nearly a dozen other countries. Some experts believe camels are the main source of infection for humans. Saudi authorities have cautioned citizens to wear protective masks when dealing with the animals.