The head of WHO said MERS CoV virus found in Saudi Arabia threatens `` the entire world '' Laurie Garrett : It 's alarming that of 49 cases , 27 -- that 's 52 % -- have died . Garrett : This is a very serious outbreak and it could be far worse than SARS because there are so many more people at risk. MERS emerged in a difficult region , she says , and threatens Syrian refugees .
The head of WHO said MERS CoV virus found in Saudi Arabia threatens `` the entire world '' Laurie Garrett : It 's alarming that of 49 cases , 27 -- that 's 52 % -- have died . Garrett : The virus related to SARS , and scientists worry it could spread as fast . MERS emerged in a difficult region , she says , and threatens Syrian refugees .