Turkish doctor succumbs to coronavirus

By Hatice Senses Kurukiz

ISTANBUL (AA) - A Turkish doctor died on Wednesday after contracting coronavirus from his patient.

Dr. Cemil Tascioglu was a professor of Internal Medicine at Istanbul University.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, professor Dr. Tufan Tukek, dean of Istanbul University, said Tascioglu had tested positive for the virus and was being treated since March 16.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his condolences to the doctor's friends and family.

The death toll from coronavirus in Turkey has risen to 277, with 15,679 cases confirmed so far.

After originating in China last December, the virus, also known as COVID-19, has spread to at least 180 countries and territories across the world, with its epicenter shifting to Europe.

The virus has killed more than 46,200 people and infected over 921,900 globally, while above 192,900 people recovered from the disease, according to figures collated by the U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University

*Writing by Seda Sevencan