Second case of Coronavirus confirmed in Africa
Algiers/ Dar. Algeria's Ministry of Health, Population and Hospital Reform has reported the country’s first case of COVID-19.
A statement released by the World Health Organization says health authorities in Algeria have reported tests indicating that an Italian adult, who arrived in the country on 17 February 2020 has tested positive for the coronavirus disease.
This follows Africa’s first COVID-19 case which was reported earlier this month in Egypt.
Algeria is one of the 47 countries in the World Health Organization (WHO) African region.
“This is the first case in the WHO African region,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
She said, “The window of opportunity the continent has had to prepare for coronavirus disease is closing. All countries must ramp up their preparedness activities.”
Algeria is one of 13 countries, which WHO has identified as a top priority for preparedness measures due to their direct links or high volume of travel to China.
WHO said it is preparing to deploy a team of experts to Algeria to support health authorities.
