Greece reported its first SARS case

"I stress this is not a confirmed case yet."

Eleni Giamarelou, a doctor at the Athens Sismanoglio hospital where the 23-year-old South African was being treated, said results of tests would be ready on Wednesday.

She said the woman worked on southeast Asian routes for Dubai’s Emirates Airline and flew to Athens on May 10 from Hong Kong, itself badly hit by the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) virus.

"This woman was in Hong Kong on April 26, where she stayed for three days. Then she left Hong Kong and she went back to Dubai. On May 4, she was in Thailand, she went back to Dubai again and she returned to Hong Kong on May 5," she said.

The health ministry said in a statement the patient’s condition was very good. "General tests are within normal limits," it said.

The case was reported at the start of the busy holiday season in Greece, one of Europe’s most popular destinations. About 14.5 million foreign tourists visit Greece each year, a number that will rise dramatically when Athens hosts the 2004 Olympic Games.