The Hellenic Center of Disease Control and Prevention (KEELPNO) is on high alert after laboratory tests confirmed that a man returning from Saudi Arabia was carrying the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS virus). This is the 100th documented outbreak of the MERS virus in Europe.
According to scientists this new virus is not related to any of the known coronavirus strains, however it has a high morality rate. The recommended precautions are the same for other respiratory infections, namely avoiding contact with people showing symptoms (cough, sneezing) and have recently traveled to high-risk areas (such as the Arabian Peninsula).
KEELPNO has carried out all necessary procedures to track the Greek patient’s moves and contacts during his trip to Athens and stay in Greece. Everyone who came into contact with the patient, including the taxi driver who picked him up from the airport, has been tested for the virus, with all results so far being negative.
