Algerian authorities on Tuesday announced the country’s first case of the novel coronavirus, in an Italian citizen who arrived in the country on February 17.
“One case was confirmed positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), out of two suspected cases (both) of Italian nationality,” the North African country’s Health Ministry said.
State television said the infected person had been placed in isolation, without offering further details.
The Health Ministry said it had reinforced its “monitoring and surveillance systems at all points of entry” into Algeria.
This is coming few days after a man who was placed in isolation at an Egyptian hospital over fears of the deadly disease,tested negative after medical tests were carried out.
Northern Italy which is also home to many Algerians, has recorded spiked coronavirus cases and 11 deaths so far. The virus which broke out in Chinese City of Wuhan has now infected more than 80,000 globally, killing at least 2,700.