GREECE AVIAN FLU UPDATE; ALL H5N1 HUMAN TESTING

UNCLAS ATHENS 000422

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR AMBASSADOR POWELL
STATE FOR EUR/OES CONNORS
ROME FOR AGRI WIGGINS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETRD ECON GR AVIANFLU
SUBJECT: GREECE AVIAN FLU UPDATE; ALL H5N1 HUMAN TESTING
NEGATIVE

REF: ATHENS 00386


1. (U) Testing on the two men admitted to Agios Nickolaus
hospital in Thessaloniki over the weekend has proven negative
in both cases, although both men will continue to be
monitored after discharge. All other suspected cases have
also tested negative. The GoG, provincial and local
authorities continue to reassure the public and ensure that
its safety and security measures (reftel) are understood and
followed.


2. (U) The previously reported case of H5N1 in a wild goose
on the island of Skyros (75 miles north-west of Athens) was
also confirmed yesterday, bringing the total number of
confirmed cases of Avian Influenza in migratory birds in
Greece to four.
RIES