The US embassy in Ethiopia has warned that foreigners are being attacked in cities across the country after being accused of being infected with Covid-19, the respiratory illness caused by coronavirus.

In a security alert posted on its website, the embassy said it "continues to receive reports regarding a rise in anti-foreigner sentiment" since the first case of the virus was detected in Africa's second-most populous state last week.

Typical derogatory comments such as “China” and “ferengi” (a reference to foreigners) have been "reportedly coupled with the label “corona", indicating a disparaging view on the link between the outbreak of Covid-19 and foreigners in Ethiopia", it added.

READ ALSO: Confirmed cases of Covid-19 now 9 - Oppong Nkrumah

"Reports indicate that foreigners have been attacked with stones, denied transportation services... being spat on, chased on foot, and been accused of being infected with Covid-19," the embassy added.

Ethiopia has detected six cases of coronavirus - the first was that of a Japanese national who travelled from the West African state of Burkina Faso.

Source: BBC