High prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in repatriation flights to Greece from three European countries
Theodore Lytras, George Dellis, Anastasia Flountzi, Sophia Hatzianastasiou, Georgia Nikolopoulou, Katerina Tsekou, Zafiris Diamantis, Grigoria Stathopoulou, Marianthi Togka, Gerasimos Gerolymatos, George S. Rigakos, Spiridon Sapounas, Sotirios Tsiodras
Abstract
Passengers on repatriation flights to Greece from the UK, Spain and Turkey were screened with oropharyngeal swabs on arrival for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Despite almost all passengers being asymptomatic, many tested positive (3.6% from the UK, 6.3% from Spain and 6.3% from Turkey), indicating widespread transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in these countries.
Topics & Concepts
MedicineSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)AsymptomaticRepatriationCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)2019-20 coronavirus outbreakTransmission (telecommunications)BetacoronavirusCoronavirusCoronavirus InfectionsVirologySurgeryInternal medicineOutbreakDiseaseEngineeringInfectious disease (medical specialty)Electrical engineeringHistoryArchaeologyCOVID-19 epidemiological studiesTravel-related health issuesInfection Control and Ventilation