Test Results of Suspected Coronavirus Case - Govt Issues Update

UPDATE:

Health Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki on Friday, January 31 announced that test results for the student who was quarantined had come back negative for Coronavirus.

The Ministry of Health on Thursday, January 30 issued an update on the suspected Coronavirus infection reported on Tuesday, 28 January.

In a press conference, Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki disclosed that specimen, taken from the quarantined student who flew in from China, had been sent to South Africa for further analysis.

This, she stated, was for authorities to corroborate the results compiled by the National Influenza Center before taking any further action.

"Results carried out on the case in isolation at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) have been sent to South Africa for further analysis, to have a clear guideline on how we can move on once we have established that our results are correct," Kariuki noted.

The accident and emergency wing pitcured at the Kenyatta National Hospital

Kenyans who have travelled to China within the past two weeks were also directed to report to health facilities around the country.

 

The Coronavirus originated in China's Wuhan Province.

 

"We call upon Kenyans who have travelled to China for the past two weeks to check themselves in various health facilities close to them as the incubation period for this virus is two weeks," the CS noted.

 

Kariuki reiterated that the government remained on high alert, confirming that enhanced screening would continue at points of entry.

 

"We will continue to remain vigilant as we have increased screening at major entry points in the country," she asserted.

 

She sought to assure Kenyans that the government was adequately prepared to respond to the outbreak that has so far killed over 170 people around the world.

 

Symptoms of coronavirus infection include fever, cough, diarrhoea, shortness of breath, feeling of being unwell and running nose.

 

To prevent infection, Kenyans were advised to observe standard hygiene and safe food practices.

 

Among other recommendations, the ministry advised citizens to wash their hands with soap and to thoroughly cook their food, particularly meat and eggs.

Health Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki addressing a press conference on Thursday, January 30

 

 

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