On April 18, 2014, the Ministry of Health of Greece reported one laboratory-confirmed case of infection with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
The patient is a 69-year-old male Greek citizen residing in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, who traveled back to Greece on April 17. While in Jeddah, the patient visited a hospital on April 8 and April 10 for a febrile illness with diarrhea, and was given a probable diagnosis of typhoid fever. Of note, he regularly visited his wife who was hospitalized from March 31 to April 5 in the same hospital for a confirmed typhoid fever.
The patient sought medical care upon arrival in Greece on April 17. The evaluation revealed a bilateral pneumonia and the diagnosis of MERS-CoV infection was made at the National Reference Laboratory for Influenza. The patient is in stable condition and is receiving appropriate treatment.
This is the first case of MERS-CoV infection in the country.
Individuals who had close contacts with the case in the plane, the hospital in Greece and in the community have been identified and are being followed up. So far, none of the contacts became ill. Hellenic health authorities issued a press release to inform the population and informed all Greek hospitals on measures that need be taken to identify suspect patients and implement appropriate preventive measures.
Globally, from September 2012 to date, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been informed of a total of 250 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 93 deaths.
Sourcve: WHO
Stay prepared and protected with Infection Control Today's newsletter, delivering essential updates, best practices, and expert insights for infection preventionists.
US Withdrawal From UNESCO Signals a Dangerous Step Back for Global Science
July 22nd 2025In a decision heavy with consequence and light on foresight, the US has once again chosen to walk away from UNESCO, leaving behind not just a seat at the table, but a legacy of global scientific leadership that now lies in question.
Breaking the Cycle of Silence: Why Sharps Injuries Go Unreported and What Can Be Done
Published: July 24th 2025 | Updated: July 23rd 2025Despite decades of progress in health care safety, a quiet but dangerous culture still lingers: many health care workers remain afraid to report sharps injuries, fearing blame more than the wound itself.
Telemedicine's Transformative Role in PPE Distribution and Sterile Equipment Management
July 22nd 2025In an era defined by digital transformation and post-pandemic urgency, telemedicine has evolved beyond virtual visits to become a vital infrastructure for delivering personal protective equipment (PPE) and managing sterile supplies. By enabling real-time forecasting, remote quality control, and equitable distribution, telemedicine is revolutionizing how health care systems protect both patients and providers.
Reducing Hidden Risks: Why Sharps Injuries Still Go Unreported
July 18th 2025Despite being a well-known occupational hazard, sharps injuries continue to occur in health care facilities and are often underreported, underestimated, and inadequately addressed. A recent interview with sharps safety advocate Amanda Heitman, BSN, RN, CNOR, a perioperative educational consultant, reveals why change is overdue and what new tools and guidance can help.