Africa confirms first case of coronavirus in Egypt

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By Amwal Al Ghad English
coronavirus
Images combined from a 3D medical animation, depicting the shape of coronavirus as well as the cross-sectional view. Image shows the major elements including the Spike S protein, HE protein, viral envelope, and helical RNA.

Egypt has on Friday confirmed its first case of coronavirus, making it the first known infection in Africa.

A joint statement from Egypt’s ministries of health and population said the patient was a foreigner, but without saying what nationality the person was or where they had been prior to arriving in Egypt.

The patient has been quarantined in a hospital for treatment and monitoring, the statement added.

Authorities in Egypt have notified the World Health Organization (WHO).

So far, according to WHO information,  no one on the continent  had tested positive for the deadly virus, officially named COVID-19.

Experts have raised worries that countries with underdeveloped health systems —  as can be found in Africa or Asia —would struggle to contain an outbreak.

Source: AFP, dpa & Reuters

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