The first case of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers) coronavirus has been reported in Lebanon, the health ministry said on Thursday.

"One case of a patient suffering from coronavirus was diagnosed this afternoon, Thursday, May 8, 2014," a statement from the health minister's office said, adding the patient's health had improved after treatment.

The disease, a form of coronavirus, has killed 121 people in Saudi Arabia since it was identified two years ago.

In humans, Mers causes coughing, fever and pneumonia. Cases have been reported in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Oman, Tunisia, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Britain. – Reuters