Coronavirus: Another Kenyan Student Who Returned from China Isolated After Showing Symptoms

A female Kenyan student who returned to the country from China last week has been quarantined at the Coast General Hospital in Mombasa after she allegedly exhibited Coronavirus-like symptoms.

The 22-year-old medical student at Southern Medical University in Guangzhou was admitted to the hospital on Sunday morning. She arrived in Kenya from China on Thursday, January 30th, according to Mombasa County Chief Health Officer Khadija Shikely.

“She is currently isolated in private room at Rehemtullah Ward. Her blood samples have been sent to Nairobi for analysis. She started feeling unwell while in China, complaining of chest pains and difficulty in breathing,” said Khadija.

“The patient is now under strict isolation because we are not taking any chances.” 

Last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronavirus, which originated in China’s Wuhan city, a global emergency.

“Our greatest concern is the potential for the virus to spread to countries with weaker health systems,” said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Another Kenyan student who landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) from China on Tuesday was admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital over fears he had contracted the deadly virus. He, however, tested negative for the virus after laboratory tests were sent to South Africa for validation.

The epidemic has killed more than 300 people in China, according to the country’s health authorities.