Important Information for Visitors to Greece
(Last updated on 5 May 2003)
Since November 2002 a new type of respiratory infection has appeared that in
some patients produces severe pneumonia. This new infection has been named "severe
acute respiratory syndrome" or SARS by the World Health Organization. SARS
cases have now been reported not only from China but from many other countries
as well.
On current evidence SARS is transmitted mainly by close contact (droplet and direct contact infection) with people who have the disease. The period between infection and the outbreak of the disease can be from 2 to 7 days, in some cases up to 10 days.
For your own protection and to prevent the further spread of
the disease, we ask for your help. Before you leave on a trip abroad and during
the first 10 days of your trip you should watch especially for the following
symptoms:
- fever
- breathing difficulties (e.g. cough, breathing difficulty etc.).
If you notice ANY of these symptoms, please consult a doctor or hospital outpatient immediately!
IMPORTANT: Do NOT go to the doctor or hospital outpatient before calling and explaining your symptoms and travel history on the phone, so as to have your prompt and safe visit arranged. (While in Greece, you can call the Hellenic Centre for Infectious Disease Control for assistance: 210 8899 000)
Please note:
If you have arrived in Greece from China or any other SARS affected country
and within the fIrst 10 days develop infiuenza-like symptoms such as high fever
and coughing, you will be considered a SARS suspect case and be specially monitored
by the Greek public health authorities.
This means, for example, that you may be required to undergo medical tests, your movements within Greece may for several days be restricted and you may even be placed under quarantine.
(Further information in Greek is available online at www.keel.org.gr
or from the Hellenic Centre for Infectious Disease Control: +30210 8899 000).