France announces 1st death in Europe of virus patient

International Desk Published: 15 February 2020, 06:40 PM
France announces 1st death in Europe of virus patient

The French health minister has announced the first coronavirus death in Europe, reports AP. 

French Health Minister Agnes Buzyn says Saturday that "I was informed last night of the death of an 80-year-old patient who had been hospitalized ... since Jan. 25."

The patient, a Chinese tourist from the province of Hubei, had a lung infection caused by the coronavirus. He arrived in France on Jan. 16, then was hospitalized on Jan. 25 under strict isolation measures. His condition deteriorated rapidly.

His daughter was also hospitalized but authorities say she is expected to recover.