Somalia reports first coronavirus death

Somalia on Wednesday reported its first death of a patient suffering from Covid-19 and also said transmission was occurring among people who had no history of foreign travel.

Though the Horn of Africa country officially has confirmed 12 positive cases, Wednesday's announcement highlights concerns that the coronavirus may in fact be more widespread and could soon overwhelm the health system of a country that has been mired in conflict for nearly three decades.

"The first death from Covid-19 was recorded Wednesday as a 52-year-old Somali who had the virus died," the health ministry said in a statement.

 

Dhaka/Mukul