Panafrican News Agency

Covid-19: Kenya reports 117 pandemic infections, tally reaches 4,374

Nairobi, Kenya (PANA) - Kenyan health authorities on Friday confirmed 117 new coronavirus infections bringing the total positive cases to 4,374.

Health Chief Administrative Secretary Rashid Aman said the new cases were diagnosed from 3,043 samples analyzed within 24 hours.

Two more patients died during the same period, raising the death toll to 119.

Aman, speaking at the daily pandemic media update, said that the patients, 5 of whom are foreigners, include an 11-year-old and an 83-year-old.

Health Director-General, Dr. Patrick Amoth, said among the dead was a 46-year-old, who had diabetes.

“Diabetes is the most risk factor associated with  COVID-19 together with hypertension and other pre-existing conditions like cancer, HIV/AIDS,” Amoth said.

Nairobi, Mombasa and Kajiado counties had the highest number of new infections registered with 51, 22 and 18 respectively.

In Nairobi and Mombasa the worst hit areas are lower middle class, low income and informal settlement areas.

Dr. Aman blamed the few cases detected in upper middle class and high income estates to young people who organize house parties in total disregard to social distancing regulations.

''I want to appeal to our people to take up individual responsibility in observing the measures that have been advocated by the ministry,” he said.

Meanwhile, 91 patients have been discharged after recovering from the.pandemic.

It brings to 1,550 the number of recoveries from the virus since March.

“I am delighted again today to inform you that we have discharged 91 patients from our various hospitals, bringing the total number of recoveries to 1550. I want to thank our health care workers for the good work they are doing,” said Aman.

Currently there are 2,705 active cases that are under care.

-0- PANA DJ/AR 19June2020