Number of virus cases in Africa tops 176,800

Death toll nears 5,000 mark with recoveries standing at 78,267, says Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
Number of virus cases in Africa tops 176,800

The total number of coronavirus cases in Africa rose to 176,807 on Saturday, as the continent grapples with community spread, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

At least 4,902 patients have died so far across the continent due to the virus, it said in a Saturday update.

A total of 78,267 patients have so far recovered from the disease.

North Africa has so far confirmed 51,300 cases, Southern Africa 46,000, West Africa 39,900, East 20,600 and Central Africa 18,900.

North Africa suffered a death toll of 2,200, Southern Africa 933, West 795, East 592 and Central Africa 421.

South Africa alone recorded 43,400 cases -- including 908 deaths -- Egypt 31,100 cases and 1,200 deaths, Algeria 9,900 cases and 690 deaths, Morocco 8,100 cases and 208 deaths.

Nigeria in West Africa suffered 333 fatalities, Sudan in East Africa 333, and Cameroon in Central Africa 205.

The pandemic has killed more than 395,000 worldwide, with more than 6.74 million confirmed cases and nearly 2.75 million recoveries, according to figures compiled by US-based Johns Hopkins University.