KEELPNO Gives Guidance For Preventing MERS Virus From Spreading In Greece

The Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention (KEELPNO) has released guidance for preventing the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) from spreading in Greece following a confirmed case in the country.

The MERS virus was recently carried to Greece from Jeddah by a 69-year-old Greek passenger who lives in Saudi Arabia and is now being treated.

According to an announcement, from September 2012 to present, a total of 243 confirmed cases of respiratory infection have been recorded mainly from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Kuwait, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Tunisia and Malaysia.

The recent case in Greece is the 10th case recorded in Europe.

No restrictions in regards to travel

According to the World Health Organization, for the time being, there are no restrictions in regards to travel or recommendations for control at entrance gates.

For preventing the spread of the virus, KEELPNO recommends the following:

– Frequent handwashing before eating and smoking
– Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
– Avoid contact with patients with symptoms of respiratory infection
– Avoid contact with animals
– If, during a trip, fever, discomfort in breathing or coughing symptoms appear, one should seek medical help immediately
– Patients should be monitored after the trip for at least 14 days
– If symptoms occur during these days, medical help should be sought for.

For more information, contact KEELPNO on tel. 210-5212000 and 210-5212054.