DOHA

Qatar has reported the first infection of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), commonly known as coronavirus, in 2017. 

A 62-year-old resident is suspected to have contracted the virus, the Health Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

"The resident has been quarantined to receive the appropriate medical care," the statement said.

Qatar has reported seven deaths from MERS since the virus was first detected in the Gulf country in 2012.

The last coronavirus infection was reported in the tiny Gulf state in May of last year.

MERS, for which no known cure is available, destroys the lungs and kidneys. It is presumed that long-term physical contact can lead to infection.

Reporting by Ahmed al-Masri; Writing by Mohamed Sabry Emam Muhammed