Surgical masks are being worn across China as a preventative measure against the coronavirus
MOMBASA, Kenya Feb 2 – Another Kenyan student from China was quarantined Sunday, following fears of coronavirus, the deadly viral disease that has killed more than 300 people in China and infected more than 10,000 others.
The female student was isolated at the Coast General Hospital in Mombasa after complaining of chest pain and difficulty in breathing on arrival from China, medics said.
“She arrived on January 30th from China through Nairobi and she is a medical student in Guanzhou, Southern Medical University,” said Dr Khadija Shikely, County Chief Officer, Health in Mombasa.
“Shukri is strictly isolated and not even family members are allowed to visit her except the Doctor and nurses assigned to her,” she said in a statement to the media, “She is stable but we can not take chances until we get results from Nairobi tomorrow (Monday).
Results from another Kenyan who arrived from China last week turned negative.
Health Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki has assured that the country has put in place adequate measures to safeguard Kenya from the virus, including how to manage it in the event it is confirmed.
On Friday, the Cabinet ad-hoc Committee on health approved additional mitigation measures to enhance surveillance to strengthen the country’s response.
“The surveillance system remains on high alert at all points of entry and health facilities. A two-tier screening process is being conducted on all inbound passengers and crew at our international airports. To fortify the State’s response, we have also enhanced screening at our border points, and seaports,” the CS said after chairing the meeting.
“We continue to monitor the situation in China and have been in constant engagement with the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, as well as our Beijing Office. The Government has been appraised of the global and regional situation,” the CS said.
The first suspected case that was under surveillance in isolation facility at Kenyatta National Hospital was also cleared, with further confirmation from tests in South Africa.
Additional reporting by Njoki Kihiu in Nairobi.
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