Acting Prime Minister Choi Kyung-hwan called Tuesday for all-out government efforts to contain the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome after South Korea reported the first two deaths from the virus.

Two MERS patients -- a 58-year-old woman and a 71-year-old man -- became the first deaths from the virus Monday after the first outbreak of the epidemic was reported here in late May.

The Health Ministry also reported six more cases of the viral disease a day earlier, bringing to 25 the number of confirmed local MERS patients.

"As it is an issue directly connected to public life and safety, all-out national health capacities should be mobilized from now on in order to resolve anxieties and concerns," Choi said during an emergency government meeting to tackle the disease. "I hope, through this meeting, all related ministries could take the utmost action to curb the spread of MERS quickly and end the situation."

The meeting was attended by ministers of health, public safety, foreign affairs and home affairs.

They are likely to consider leveling up the country's epidemic alert, as well as expanding the range of the MERS quarantine.

How to quell growing pubic anxieties over the disease will also be discussed during the meeting, officials said.

"The health authorities' insufficient response and management in the initial stage of the local outbreak of MERS are feared to lead to a crisis of trust in the government's ability to control the disease," Choi said.

He also vowed efforts to block the possible circulation of rumors and misinformation among the public. (Yonhap)