Coronavirus cases in Africa have for the first time surpassed 1,000 with cases now confirmed in at least 40 countries.
The continent has now confirmed 1,114 cases as at March 21, 2020 with 28 deaths from seven countries.
There have also been 103 recovery cases in 10 Countries on the continent but there are fears the cases could increase further in the coming days.
The African Union’s Centre for Disease Control has said it “is working with all affected countries and is mobilizing laboratory, surveillance, and other response support where requested.”
Latest @AfricaCDC COVID-19 Surveillance Update as of 21st March 2020
Total number positive cases in #Africa 1114
40 countries and 2 territories.
28 deaths in 7 Countries
103 recovery cases in 10 Countries#AfricaPrepares #FactsNotFear pic.twitter.com/FDJXVGp3JR— African Union (@_AfricanUnion) March 21, 2020
The African continent since the outbreak of the Coronavirus had recorded relatively low numbers compared to other continents.
Just a week ago only five African countries had confirmed cases but with cases now hitting over 1,000, the African Union has warned that things could get worst in Africa.
On Thursday John Nkengasong, head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said the situation could get worst because “We are picking some people but we are also missing some people.”
He adds that “The situation will get worse before it gets better because the chances are clear that people have slipped through.”
This concern has been confirmed by emerging reports of the virus now spreading in local communities.
The local infection rate is gradually surging although most of the earlier cases confirmed were imported.
With Africa’s weak health care systems, there are fears should local infections continue to increase, things could get worst for many countries.
Countries like Ghana, South Africa and many others have all confirmed local infection cases despite a ban on public gatherings, schools and religious activities.
Many African countries have also imposed travel bans to help stop the spread but without focus on local mode of transmission, Africa could be in danger.
Source: Africafeeds.com
