The government, through the Ministry of Health, on Wednesday, February 5, released what was worded as a conclusive report over fears that a case of the deadly coronavirus had been diagnosed in Kenya.
A statement shared by the ministry confirmed that all reported cases of the disease in the country were found to be negative.
The state further disclosed that it was on high alert and measures had been put in place to deal with the disease first reported in Wuhan City of China's Hubei province.
"Kenya has not had any case of novel coronavirus 2019. Our surveillance system is on high alert and to date has picked seven suspected cases (two in Mombasa and five in Nairobi) all of whom have turned negative on laboratory testing.
"Similarly, follow-ups have been made in Mombasa, Kiambu and Kitui counties where suspected cases have been reported," read a section of the statement.
The ministry further noted that two people in a flight from China suspected to have coronavirus tested negative after a thorough screening of all passengers and crew in Nairobi.
"This morning, the ministry followed lead information on two suspected cases of novel coronavirus 2019 aboard a flight from China to Nairobi.
"Upon thorough screening of all passengers and crew on board, none met the case definition criteria as stipulated by the World Health Organisation, hence all were released," continued the statement.
Close to 490 people have reportedly died from the disease worldwide so far.
The World Health Organisation, on its Twitter page, reported that various stakeholders had prepared adequately in case there was a transmission of the disease in the Country.
"Screening of incoming passengers in place, KNH & KEMRI on standby, personal protection kits available. Add. contingency plans in process," read their tweet in part.
The World Health Organisation reports that Coronavirus is spread from an infected person to another through the air by coughing and sneezing. It is also spread through close personal contact such as touching or shaking hands, touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.
