The World Health Organization, WHO, has confirmed coronavirus infection in Algeria. The case, reported by the Ministry of Health, Population and Hospital Reform of Algeria is the country’s first case of coronavirus and the second in Africa.
Dr. Shamsuddin Shitor who is Algeria’s Health Minister, confirmed that they were able to detect the flu-like virus due to the vigilance system adopted at all land, air and maritime entry points to the country.
He disclosed that an Italian man who arrived Algeria on February 17, 2020, has been placed in isolation, as he urged Algerians to be careful of the information they share online. “One case was confirmed positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), out of two suspected cases (both) of Italian nationality,” he said.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, who is the WHO Regional Director for Africa said that,“This is the first case in the WHO African region, the window of opportunity the continent has had to prepare for coronavirus disease is closing. All countries must ramp up their preparedness activities.”
Italy has recorded cases of coronavirus with 11 deaths so far. The virus which broke out in Chinese City of Wuhan has now infected more than 80,994 globally, killing at least 2,760. At least 42 countries had been affected.
Nigeria is one of the 13 countries, which WHO has identified as a top priority for preparedness measures due to their direct links or a high volume of travel to China. WHO is preparing to deploy a team of experts to Algeria to support health authorities.
