African countries have started issuing health alerts following the outbreak of the deadly Coronavirus which is fast spreading across Asia.
China has already reported over 140 new cases of the mysterious virus with the outbreak spreading from Wuhan to other major Chinese cities.
Beijing, the capital has also reported cases, while the southern tech hub of Shenzhen reported one case.
The total number of confirmed cases now exceeds 200 with deaths recorded as victims suffer from respiratory illness.
Kenya for example has stepped up surveillance for the virus at all its ports of entry.
The country’s health ministry has announced that passengers from China will be screened for the virus.
“As a country, we have sent an alert to all the 47 counties through county directors. We have also heightened surveillance at all points of entry and screening has started,” Acting Public Health Director-General Patrick Amoth said at a public event on Wednesday.
Ghana has also issued similar alert with its Health Ministry saying it has began implementing measures to prevent the outbreak and spread of the virus.
The West African nation said it has enhanced surveillance at all entry points especially at its top airport, the Kotoka International Airport.
It also advised citizens to protect themselves from the virus by regularly washing their hands with soap and water and hand rubbing with alcohol where available.
“If contact with a sick person or potentially infected surfaces or objects occur, those involved must not touch their eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands,” the ministry said.
The coronavirus virus which is known to attack the respiratory system has spread to China’s neighbours Thailand, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan as well as the US.
Source: Africafeeds.com
