The government through its spokesman retired Colonel Cyrus Oguna has given an update on the student admitted at the Kenya National Hospital (KNH) over suspicion of having contracted the deadly coronavirus.

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In a briefing to the media on Thursday, Oguna said that the student was being closely monitored.

He said specimens have been drawn from the patient and have been sent out of the country so that they can undergo expert analysis.

"Locally, the suspected case at the Kenyatta National Hospital is still under observation. The case is stable and is still being put under isolation for close observation. Specimens drawn from him have been sent out of the country for further analysis," the government spokesman said, as quoted by the Star newspaper.

The government also said that it was on high alert to ensure that the virus does not spread in the country.

Coronavirus, which has a 10-day incubation period, was first reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan in Hubei province.

Authorities in China are working round the clock to ensure that the virus is contained as quickly as possible.

Measures including banning travel from the worst-hit areas and cancelling New Year celebrations in China have been adopted.