One isolated in Kisumu 'after presenting virus symptoms'

Guarding against coronavirus in Kisumu.

A man has been admitted in the isolation ward at Aga Khan Hospital in Kisumu after he reportedly presented symptoms of coronavirus.

The Caucasian man who had allegedly travelled into the country through the United Kingdom on March 7, is said to have been driven to the hospital around 6pm.

Sources at the hospital said two women drove the man through the rear door and doctors immediately took him into isolation. He is said to to have had fever and flu-like symptoms.

"We were asked to avoid the isolation area. Later, doctors quickly moved in to attend to him," said a casual worker at the facility.

Hospital Medical Director Patrick Eshiwani confirmed that the patient was admitted at the facility and was being monitored.

Dr Eshiwani, who declined to give details, said they decided to isolate the patient as a precautionary measure.

"We do not have diagnosis facilities for coronavirus and that is why we cannot at the moment ascertain whether it is a coronavirus case or not," said Eshiwani.

He said after admitting the patient, the hospital informed the county directorate of health as it sought support.

The patient is said to have been staying in a high-end hotel in the city, where he was for 10 days.

The county government has set aside isolation wards at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital as well as Kisumu County Hospital to cater for an outbreak.