The Philippines has confirmed its second case of the deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus, which is popping up on a small scale throughout the region.

A 36-year-old traveller who arrived in Manila on June 19 from Dubai is the latest case.

Health Ministry spokesperson Lyndon Lee-suy said the man was admitted to a government hospital on July 4 and was under observation.

Contact tracing is underway to prevent the spread of the disease, after reports the man had also visited Saudi Arabia on his journey.

Mr Lee-suy said the man's condition was improving, and there was no known transmission to the community.

The Philippines joins Thailand on the list of Asian countries to register the deadly virus this year.

The bulk of the cases have come from South Korea, where 31 people have died since it emerged in May.

South Korea's health ministry says 181 people have now been diagnosed, and the country has tightened its quarantine restrictions in response.

Jail sentences could now be imposed on those who defy anti-infection measures.

New laws passed in the South Korean parliament mean people infected with the virus who lie to state investigators about how they came into contact with the disease face fines or prison sentences.

“False testimony would entail up two years in prison or 20 million won [$US18,000] in fines,” the authorities said.

“Interviewees will [now] feel compelled to provide honest answers.”

The same level of fines (and 2 years prison sentences) has been applied to anyone who refuses government orders to restrict their movement or close contaminated facilities.

The Australian Health Department has released MERS fact sheets for local health workers and consumers.