Botswana registers first suspected coronavirus case

SA's neighbour, Botswana has reported it's first possible case of the deadly Coronavirus. 

The Botswana government shared a statement on Twitter that said the person has been palced in isolation "and investigations are onging."

African countries are scrambling to avert an outbreak of the rapidly spreading coronavirus strain, as health officials warn that the poorest countries are ill-equipped to combat the deadly disease.

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Across the continent, governments have stationed nurses at airports to check for feverish passengers and have suspended Chinese entry visas, while ordinary people grow increasingly nervous.

There have been no verified infections in Africa to date, but deep trade links with China and often overstretched healthcare systems are raising concerns about the capacity to respond to an outbreak.

Though Africa is one of the few continents not to have confirmed coronavirus cases, the number of suspected cases is increasing.

Several countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Angola, Botswana and Ivory Coast, have signalled possible infections. 

But confirming coronavirus can take time, as health authorities lacking expertise have to send samples to labs in countries such as South Africa. 

* Additional reporting by AFP.