Coronavirus scare in Limpopo: Four things we know so far

South Africa is currently going through its first “coronavirus scare”, after a man from Limpopo was isolated for treatment on Tuesday evening. He is said to have presented symptoms that match those shown in the deadly disease, which has killed just under 500 people since the outbreak was first reported.

There have been suspected cases reported in both Namibia and Botswana recently, putting South Africa on high alert. Medical professionals in the province are now assessing the patient, in a bid to properly diagnose him. We’ve gathered all the relevant information we can, to paint a clearer picture:

Coronavirus scare in Limpopo – the facts so far:

The patient

It has been reported that the male patient actually works as a baggage handler at a cross-border checkpoint between Botswana and South Africa. He’s officially the first person in SA suspected of having the disease: Given that his job sees him come into contact with travelling citizens of other countries, fears that the potential illness could spread in Mzansi have also been raised.

Why – and where – he’s been isolated

He was admitted to the Ellisras Hospital in Lephalale. The coal-mining town is sandwiched between the neighbouring settlement of Ons Hoop and the D’Nyala Nature Reserve. We understand he went to see a doctor after coming down with a high fever and bouts of sickness.

A tetchy 24 hours in Limpopo

Limpopo Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba says they have deployed professional nurses and environmental health practitioners at Groblersbridge border post between South Africa and Botswana to monitor the checkpoint. Thermometers and other necessary resources have been provided to ensure immigrants are being tested for potential symptoms of the coronavirus.

His official condition: No coronavirus yet

This is very important to stress. The patient in Limpopo has not been confirmed to have coronavirus. He is showing the symptoms of the disease and remains in isolation, but all measures at the moment are precautionary. We are expecting an update from provincial health officials later in the day.

The Limpopo Health Department says there is no confirmation that a patient who has been put in isolation at the Ellisras Hospital in Lephalale with a high fever and flu like symptoms, has contracted the corona virus. #sabcnews

— Radio 2000 (@Radio2000ZA) February 5, 2020