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South Africa reports first case of local transmission of coronavirus

12 March 2020 13:37 (UTC +04:00)

South Africa reported the first case of local transmission of the coronavirus on Thursday, fuelling concerns that sub-Saharan African health systems could be overwhelmed if local transmission accelerates, APA reports citing Reuters.

Sub-Saharan Africa has reported far fewer cases of coronavirus than in Europe or China, but some analysts worry it could spread rapidly in poor or overcrowded areas.

South Africa’s Health Ministry said a 32-year-old man contracted the virus after contact with a Chinese businessman.

“All others have been by patients who had travelled abroad,” the ministry said, adding that the number of confirmed cases had risen to 17 from 13 on Wednesday.

South Africa has not reported any deaths from coronavirus.