A French national has died in Greece, his death being confirmed as a direct result of the H1N1 strain. The 29-year-old man was hospitalised last week in Athens' Sismanogleio Hospital, after displaying the typical symptoms of the virus. Greek daily Kathimerini reported on September 17 that the victim died of "multiple organ failure, becoming the first swine flu patient in Greece whose death has been linked exclusively to the virus".

"This is the first death in our country from the new virus where the patient had no underlying affliction," the Greek health ministry said.

The report indicated that the victim had suffered on arrival from "heavy pneumonia, provoked by the H1N1 virus, which led to extremely acute respiratory problems."

Greece has more than 2000 confirmed cases of swine flu, 14 of which are described as severe, two of which are said to be 'critical', a French woman of 30 and a Greek woman aged 58.

There have been two other fatal cases that were 'partially linked' to the strain, a 25-year-old Albanian and a 23-year-old Greek, but according to Kathimerini, this is the first case where there was no question that H1N1 was the cause of death. Greece is the most heavily affected country by the strain in the Balkan peninsula.

On September 14, Greek media said that the new school year in the country was underway amid widespread parental concern about the safety of their children. In an effort to maintain calm, the Greek political elite has been crossing the country, expressing support for teachers and pupils, as well as issuing assurances that matters are under control.

Throughout schools in Greece, children and parents were presented with leaflets about minimising the risks of contracting the flu. School staff have been instructed to be on high alert and supply regular information to the competent authorities entrusted with dealing with the pandemic.

Measures include setting up an emergency call centre, operated by the hot line number 1550. The Greek health ministry’s website will also "be providing specific information about preventive measures and steps people can take to protect themselves against contracting the bug".