The number of COVID-19 cases in Algeria has risen to 20, with 17 of them from the same family, according to the Ministry of Health, Population and Hospital Reform. The new case is an Algerian national who recently traveled to Spain. The ministry announced the update in a statement released on March [no date given]. The family cluster is part of a larger outbreak that has been tracked by health authorities.
The two initial cases, a 53-year-old woman and her 24-year-old daughter, were confirmed positive for COVID-19 on Sunday at the National Laboratory of the Pasteur Institute of Algeria. Both are asymptomatic. The ministry has been working to identify and track individuals who have come into contact with confirmed cases. An Algerian man and his daughter, who visited their family in Blida from February 14-21, were also confirmed positive after returning to France on February 21.
The Ministry of Health has strengthened its surveillance and alert system to respond to the evolving epidemiological situation. The system allowed authorities to track the movement of the Algerian man and his daughter. The ministry continues to investigate and identify individuals who have been in contact with confirmed cases. This effort aims to prevent further spread of the virus.
Three individuals isolated at the Tizi Ouzou University Hospital Center (CHU) were released after testing negative for COVID-19. The results, communicated by the Pasteur Institute on March [no date given] at around 4:30 pm, showed that the three individuals from Tizi N'Tleta and Taguemount Oukerouche did not have the virus. As a result, there are currently no cases being held at the CHU.
The Ministry of Health advises Algerian citizens planning to travel to countries with active outbreaks to postpone their trips unless absolutely necessary. If travel is unavoidable, citizens are urged to take preventive measures to avoid contamination. The ministry also recommends frequent handwashing with soap and water or using hand sanitizer.
To limit the spread of the epidemic, the Ministry of Health advises citizens to cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing, use disposable tissues, and wash their hands immediately after use. These precautions aim to reduce the risk of transmission. The situation continues to be monitored, and authorities are working to contain the outbreak.
The Algerian government continues to take measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. With 20 confirmed cases, the country is working to identify and isolate infected individuals and prevent further transmission. The Ministry of Health remains vigilant and advises citizens to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their communities.
Key points
- 17 of the 20 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Algeria are from the same family.
- The Ministry of Health advises citizens to take precautions when traveling to countries with active outbreaks.
- Three individuals isolated at the Tizi Ouzou University Hospital Center tested negative for COVID-19 and were released.
