KEELPNO says malaria threat is ‘negligible’

The Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention (KEELPNO) has sought to dispel fears that malaria may be spreading in Greece after an unusually high numbers of cases were reported over the weekend.

Authorities at the Health Ministry have linked the rise in cases to the increased number of migrants traveling through the country.

“Greece is safe with a negligible threat of malaria,” KEELPNO said in a statement on Monday, adding that international health organizations have said that there is no need for visitors to Greece to take special precautions.

The increased number of malaria cases had prompted a suspension of blood donations at hospitals in various parts of the country by Monday, as 65 cases of the mosquito-borne disease had been reported since the start of the year, most involving migrants.

The ministry, however, insists these were sporadic cases and do not represent a public concern.