The Ministry of Health in Uganda is on high alert following reports of suspected case of the virus in the neighboring Kenya.
The Kenyan Ministry of Health reported on Tuesday it is currently investigating suspected case of the deadly virus after unnamed student, in his early 20’s, arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport with coronavirus-like symptoms.
The suspect has been admitted at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) isolation ward at 9:00 this morning.
Dr Diana Atwine, the ministry’s permanent secretary, while responding to the country’s preparedness following the outbreak of coronavirus epidemic in China and other countries, said they have strengthened screening of travellers at Entebbe airport and all borders.
Coronavirus outbreak has been confirmed in China, which is Uganda’s key trading partner, and there are many travelers who visit either country every day for business and other purposes. There is also an outbreak of yellow fever in Moyo and Buliisa districts and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Kagadi District.
More than 2,700 coronavirus cases have been confirmed, prompting countries around the world to shore up surveillance and screening at airports, especially for travellers arriving from Wuhan in China where the outbreak began in December 2019.
Symptoms include a running nose, coughing and a sore throat.
Infected persons may have headaches and maybe a fever, which can last for a couple of days.