Two Ground Self-Defense Force personnel dispatched to Djibouti in eastern Africa have been infected with the novel coronavirus, the Japanese Defense Ministry said Saturday.
The two are among some 80 GSDF troops assigned to guard a base as part of Japan's antipiracy mission in waters off Somalia, which involves Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels and patrol aircraft operating in the Gulf of Aden.
Around 20 of the contingent who were in contact with the infected pair have been isolated, the ministry said, adding the mission of the unit has not been disrupted by the isolation.
The two troops, who are in their 20s and 30s, complained of a fever, headache and other symptoms on Friday. They were found to be infected with the virus after being tested at the medical office at the base and both of them are in a stable condition, according to the ministry.
