Kenya has confirmed the first case of coronavirus.
During a presser on Friday, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe revealed that the patient is a 27-year-old woman who travelled from the U.S. to Nairobi through London.
“The case was confirmed yesterday (Thursday). She was confirmed positive by the National Influenza Lab,” he said.
The woman arrived in the country on March 5 when she travelled from abroad.
The condition of the Kenyan woman is, however, said to be stable and her temperature has gone down to normal. She was admitted at Kenyatta National Hospital
“What we have is a coronavirus positive test. There is no cause for alarm, continue with regular activities,” CS Kagwe said.
Kagwe said Kenyans must take seriously the guidelines issued to prevent infection of the deadly virus which has killed more than 4,500 people.
These include thoroughly wash hands and use alcohol based sanitizer and 1 meter distance from a person who is sneezing or coughing.
Schools are to remain open but inter school games cancelled, the CS said adding that all visits to prisons are also suspended for the next 30 days.
He also warned against spreading panic on social media platforms saying: “Kenyans must not abuse social media platforms or indulge in acts that will place fear.”
“At the moment, there is absolutely no need for panic or worry provided we keep having the precautionary measures,” the CS added.
“If you take Matatus, buses, trains, we are giving public transport special intervention,” he said
