More than 20 international experts are expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia soon to find a way to contain the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers) virus, Labor Minister and Acting Health Minister Adel Fakeih was quoted as saying.

The announcement came even as the death toll due to Mers increased to 81 in the kingdom.

Medical experts in the US, Europe and Asia will be contacted and the kingdom will take advantage of their knowledge and expertise, Fakeih said, according to a report in the Arab News.

He said a special committee has been set up to monitor and follow up on Mers situation in the Kingdom, the report said. The panel is tasked with analysing laboratory reports and contacting global pharmaceutical companies and health experts to produce anti-coronavirus vaccinations.

He said the ministry would provide logistical support to hospitals to deal with the virus.