News outlets report Saudi Arabia relieves its health minister from office in midst of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreak.

Associated Press: Saudi health minister sacked amid virus deaths
“Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah sacked the country’s health minister on Monday amid a spike in deaths and infections from the virus known as the Middle East respiratory syndrome, or MERS…” (Al-Shihri, 4/21).

Associated Press: Saudi Arabia reports 2 more deaths from MERS virus
“Saudi Arabia’s health ministry says two more patients who contracted a potentially fatal Middle East virus related to SARS have died as the kingdom detected 17 new cases of the disease…” (4/21).

Reuters: Saudi Arabia replaces health minister amid MERS virus fears
“Saudi Arabian King Abdullah removed Health Minister Abdullah al-Rabeeah from his post on Monday as the kingdom grapples with a worrying surge of new cases of the SARS-like Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)…” (4/21).