The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) on Monday confirmed the death of a 74-year old male in Ladysmith, in KwaZulu-Natal, as a result of the Coronavirus (Covid-19).

NICD spokesperson Sinenhlanhla Jimoh confirmed to Polity that the man had recently travelled to the Kruger National Park with his family.

Jimoh said the deceased’s family and 14 health workers, including 3 specialist doctors who were in contact with him, are now in quarantine and are being monitored.

She said the patient was admitted to intensive care and ventilation in a private hospital after presenting flu like symptoms.

He was confirmed to have contracted Covid-19 on March 27.

“He presented with the following symptoms: respiratory distress, shortness of breath, cardiac failure, decreased saturation and his temperature was above 38 degrees,” Jimoh said.

To date the Department of Health has reported 1 280 confirmed cases with two deaths.