Nigeria has confirmed it's first case of COVID-19

iStock/Aleksii Liskonih

The first case of the coronavirus in sub-Saharan Africa has been confirmed in Nigeria.

It is an Italian male working in Nigeria who flew into Lagos from Milan on February 25. 

Authorities say he is stable and is being treated at a hospital in the city.

Elsewhere on the African continent, Algeria and Egypt have also confirmed cases of the disease.

More than 80,000 people in nearly 50 countries have been infected worldwide of which almost 2,800 have died, the majority in China's Hubei province.

The coronavirus outbreak has reached a "decisive point" and has "pandemic potential", according to World Health Organization head Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus. 

He urged governments to act swiftly and aggressively to contain the virus.

More from International News

News

  • UAE soldier dies during training mission

    The UAE Ministry of Defence has announced the death of soldier Issa Ghuloom Al Baloushi, who passed away during a training mission in the country on Saturday.

  • UAE expresses concern over military escalation in Sudan

    The UAE has expressed deep concern over the continued military escalation by the two warring parties in several areas of Sudan, including El Obeid, and the impact on civilians and the worsening humanitarian situation.

  • UAE steps up relief aid for Lebanon

    Under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE is sending humanitarian aid to people affected by the ongoing crisis in Lebanon through the UAE Aid Agency.