Cluster of new influenza A(H1N1) cases in travellers returning from Scotland to Greece – community transmission within the European Union?

T Panagiotopoulos,A Melidou,D Iliopoulos,A Pavli,P Smeti,A Kossivakis,E Passalidou,P Kollaras,K Danis,P Nikolaides,S Michailides,E Diza,A Mentis,X Dedoukou,S Bonovas,D Chatzidimitriou,E Koratzanis,S Tsiodras

doi:10.2807/ese.14.21.19226-en

Abstract

On 26 and 27 May, the Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in Greece reported two confirmed cases of new influenza A(H1N1) virus infection in travellers returning from Scotland. The two cases had no apparent traceable links to an infectious source. Herein we report details of the two cases and potential public health implications.

Highlights

Case 2 A 20-year old Greek man, a close friend and fellow student of case 1, developed mild influenza symptoms without complications, with fever (38oC), mild cough and myalgia, on 24 May
A pharyngeal swab was taken and tested at the National Influenza Reference Laboratory for Northern Greece, and the real time-PCR test was positive for the new influenza A(H1N1) virus (CDC kit)
All known contact details were communicated to Health Protection Scotland

Summary

Introduction

Case 2 A 20-year old Greek man, a close friend and fellow student of case 1, developed mild influenza symptoms without complications, with fever (38oC), mild cough and myalgia, on 24 May. The two Greek cases of new influenza A(H1N1) who acquired infection in Scotland raise two possibilities.

Results

Conclusion