Zimbabwe has no confirmed cases of coronavirus, but health authorities have said a man who was due to be tested in a hospital “absconded before testing was done”.
The 26-year-old had entered Zimbabwe from Thailand in February, officials said. He was referred from a private clinic to Wilkins Hospital in Harare on 8 March, after complaining of fever and sneezing.
Zimbabwe’s health ministry said in a statement on Monday:Quote Message: He did not meet the [World Health Organization] case definition of a suspected case but was still earmarked for a Covid-19 test due to intensified surveillance that the country has adopted.”
He did not meet the [World Health Organization] case definition of a suspected case but was still earmarked for a Covid-19 test due to intensified surveillance that the country has adopted.”
After the man fled the hospital “follow-up efforts to his home address were initiated and a police report was made”, the statement added.
Latest figures indicate there are now 100 confirmed coronavirus cases across Africa. They are as follows:
- Egypt – 55
- Algeria – 20
- South Africa – 7
- Tunisia – 5
- Senegal – 4
- Morocco – 2
- Cameroon – 2
- Burkina Faso – 2
- Nigeria – 2
- Togo – 1