Africa confirms 80 coronavirus cases across nine countries

Nine African countries have so far recorded coronavirus cases, with cases now reaching at least 80.

Egypt (48), Algeria (17) and Nigeria (2) Tunisia (1), Togo (1), Cameroon (2), Morocco (2), South Africa (3) and Senegal (4) are the cases so far.

The continent has also recorded its first Coronavirus death n Egypt, where the first case on the continent was also confirmed.

Health officials said the patient was a German tourist who was being treated for the virus in Egypt.

The 60-year-old had arrived in Egypt a week ago and complained of a fever, according to officials.

The deceased was taken to a hospital in the Red Sea resort of Hurghada for treatment where he was diagnosed with coronavirus.

The African Union’s Disease control unit said it was “urging Member States to enhance surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections #SARI or Pneumonia cases.”

It added in a statement on Twitter that “All 9 countries in Africa with COVID19 cases have the capacity to do lab diagnosis.

More than 100,000 cases and over 3,000 deaths have been recorded in some 60 countries worldwide.

The coronavirus outbreak began in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December last year.

Victims of coronavirus often suffer from respiratory illness. The virus is a global public health emergency, according to the World Health Organisation.

All 9 countries in #Africa with #COVID19 cases have the capacity to do lab diagnosis. @AfricaCDC and partners have trained experts and provided test kits to 43 @_AfricanUnion countries.@ausocialaffairs #AfricaPrepares #COVID19 #FactsNotFear https://t.co/vBOGFjyFBx pic.twitter.com/LWKuET0aN5

— Africa CDC (@AfricaCDC) March 9, 2020