South Korea is to begin trials of an experimental plasma treatment for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers) which has now killed 19 people.

The treatment - which has already proved useful for tackling other deadly diseases, including Ebola - uses blood from patients who have successfully fought off the same infection.

The health ministry said two hospitals would begin the treatment trials.

To date, more than 150 people in the country have been infected with Mers.

The South Korean outbreak originated from a 68-year-old man who had travelled to the Middle East before being diagnosed as the country's first Mers patient last month.

The government says the outbreak is slowing, but there is still widespread fear and misinformation.

Health workers are spraying disinfectant at karaoke rooms and other businesses, and teachers are sprinkling salt on school grounds in a misplaced attempt to protect themselves as many schools reopen this week.

There is currently no cure or vaccine that can protect people from Mers.

The disease is caused by a coronavirus from the same family as the one that triggered China's deadly 2003 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars) and is most likely spread by coughs and sneezes.

(BBC)