There is no indication yet whether the unnamed man, who works for state-owned Chinese engineering company Sinohydro Corporation, has contracted the virus.

He has been isolated at Mutomo campsite in Kitui county and is being served food through the window, according to the Daily Nation newspaper.

The road constructing firm has sent a letter to the local county government confirming that one of its staff has been quarantined at the camp after arriving in the East African country on Sunday from China's north-eastern Hebei province.

The virus gets its name from its crown-like appearance when viewed under a microscope

Kenya's main airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, has been conducting health screenings on passengers arriving from mainland China.

A local health officer, Richard Muthoka, has been quoted byThe Star newspaperas saying that a team of health workers was on Monday locked out of the company's camp. They had been there sent to examine the man. A police team is being mobilised to accompany them for a second visit.

The firm's project manager, Zheng Fuchun, has said "any symptoms similar [to coronavirus] or abnormal situation will be reported to county health office and the Chinese Embassy immediately following the right procedures".