(VOVworld) – The Republic of Korea (RoK) reported Monday two more deaths and five new cases of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), taking the total cases of MERS infection to 150. The total number of fatalities from MERS has been 16 since the outbreak began in May. So far, 14 people previously diagnosed with the disease have been discharged following complete recoveries. The epidemic has negatively affected RoK’s tourism industry. Chinese airlines reduced flights to the country because the outbreak of Mers causes a decrease of tourism demand. In 2014, the RoK surpassed Thailand and Japan to become the most favorite tourism destination of Chinese tourists with 6.1 million visitors in 2014.