The day we have been dreading is finally here. South Africa recorded its first case of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) when a man from KwaZulu-Natal tested positive on Thursday 5 March.
Coronavirus: The latest news on Patient Zero
The patient, a 38-year-old male from Hilton, KZN, returned from Italy with his wife on Sunday 1 March. After experiencing severe flu symptoms which include respiratory problems, he visited the clinic on Tuesday 3 March.
According to Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize, the patient remained in self-isolation until Thursday 5 March, when it was confirmed that he indeed, had contracted coronavirus.
The latest updates reported by Business Insider suggest that the patient is currently recovering well from the virus. His condition was not severe, it turns out.
It is also understood that the man is still in self-isolation at his home in Hilton, the area deemed as the epicentre of the coronavirus in South Africa.
His wife and two children are also under intense observation for symptoms of the coronavirus.
The minister went into detail about the work being done to trace every single person the patient came in contact with from the time he boarded the flight to South Africa, in Italy, to his clinic visit.
Here’s what we know at this time:
- Tracer teams are actively tracing the patient’s steps in a bid to track down everyone he came into contact with;
- officials are in contact — and also attempting to reach — passengers who were seated near the patient on the flight from Italy to OR Tambo International Airport, and the following one to King Shaka International Airport in Durban;
- the doctor he saw went to self-isolated on 3 March. His condition is unknown at this stage;
- his family and his broader circle of friends and relatives will be thoroughly checked for coronavirus
Hilton school shuts down in fear of virus spread
The minister also revealed that a school in Hilton has been shut down following the news of the infected patient who is a member of the community.
Cowan House Preparatory School issued a notice to parents that pupils are to stay at home on Friday as a precautionary measure following the virus outbreak in South Africa.
“We do not wish to create alarm or unnecessary concern, but feel a conservative action is appropriate under these circumstances,” the statement read.
At this time, no new cases have been recorded in South Africa. The health department is working closely with the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) and other experts to contain the spread of the virus in a country as vulnerable as South Africa.
