A 21-year old woman has become the first Gambian to test positive of the Coronavirus, the country’s Health Ministry has confirmed.
The woman, who has not been named, is said to have travelled to the small West African country last Friday from the United Kingdom via Morocco.
She was reported to have visited the Medical Research Council in Fajara on 16th March after developing a fever but no cough and sore throat.
Test results later proved positive and the woman has been put in isolation and is receiving treatment at the Medical Research Council.
The announcement of the first coronavirus case was made barely minutes after President Adama Barrow made a televised address to update the nation about measures his government has put in place to prevent the spread of the disease in the country.
Meanwhile the Medical Research Council has also issued a statement reassuring the public that it is using tried and tested infection control procedures to prevent further spread of the virus, including the sanitisation of buildings.
It added: “We are supporting the Ministry of Health as it works rapidly to identify any contacts the patients had.
” Those identified as close contacts will be given health advice in line with Ministry of Health guidance. There is minimal risk to the Unit’s staff and the local community.
” However, we encourage all Gambians to follow World Health Organization guidance on coronavirus control, including washing your hands regularly with soap and water, and blowing your nose/sneeze into a tissue.
” We remain in regular contact with the Gambian Ministry of Health and their Epidemiology and Disease Control Centre.”
