The news in Greek
Ο πρώτος ασθενής με τον ιό Human Metapneumovirus στην Ελλάδα είναι ένας άντρας 71 ετών στη Θεσσαλονίκη. Οι γιατροί λένε ότι ο ιός αυτός δεν είναι καινούργιος και δεν είναι επικίνδυνος. Συνήθως προκαλεί ήπια συμπτώματα , όπως κρύωμα ή γρίπη. Το Υπουργείο Υγείας παρακολουθεί την κατάσταση .
Translation
The first patient infected with the Human Metapneumovirus in Greece is a 71-year-old man in Thessaloniki. Doctors state that this virus is neither new nor dangerous. It typically causes mild symptoms, such as a cold or flu. The Ministry of Health is monitoring the situation.
Exercise: Text comprehension
Question 1: How old is the first person with HMPV in Greece?
71 years old
Question 2: What kind of symptoms does HMPV usually cause?
Mild symptoms like a cold or flu
Exercise: Vocabulary
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▌08/01/2025
The first confirmed case of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Greece was identified in Thessaloniki, as reported by multiple Greek news outlets. The case involves a 71-year-old man who tested positive for the virus shortly after his daughter's return from China, where the virus has recently seen a surge in cases.
According to sources, the man initially sought treatment at a private clinic before being admitted to Thessaloniki's Papanikolaou Hospital on January 3rd. Following a positive PCR test result for HMPV on January 6th, he was placed in isolation within the hospital's respiratory care unit. By January 7th, his condition had worsened, necessitating his transfer to a more intensive care facility.
While the detection of HMPV in Greece has raised public concern, health experts stress that the virus is not new. Greek epidemiologist Gkikas Magiorkinis emphasized that HMPV has been known to the scientific community since 2001 and is widespread globally. He noted that the virus typically causes mild respiratory symptoms similar to those of the common cold or flu and should not be considered a major threat.
Greece Reports First HMPV Case in Thessaloniki (Illustration)
Human Metapneumovirus is common in children and the elderly, often leading to hospitalisation primarily in very young or immunocompromised patients. Although there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment available, most cases are mild and manageable.
Experts advise that the public remain calm, reinforcing that the current situation does not pose an immediate threat. Nevertheless, contact tracing is underway to prevent further spread of the virus.
The Greek Ministry of Health continues to monitor the situation closely, urging people to maintain good hygiene practices and stay informed through official channels.
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