Greece gripped by mystery virus

Greek schools have locked their gates in a three-day closure to help combat a deadly virus

ATHENS, Greece -- The government has shut all the country's schools in an attempt to stop the spread of a mysterious virus that is feared to have killed three people.

Educational centres from kindergarten to universities will close their doors for three days from Wednesday as Greece's health ministry tries to get to grips with the flu-like virus.

Two women are thought to have died on the island of Crete and another in the northern Greek town of Ioannina.

A further 29 are believed to have contracted the virus which has the symptoms of high fever, muscle pain, headaches and fatigue and could affect the heart, Greece's Centre for Special Infectious Diseases said.

The ministry issued a statement saying the action was a preventive measure. It added "Despite the fact that fewer children than adults have been affected by the virus ... the measure is being taken to restrict any possible spread."

Hospitals around the country have been put on alert to deal with an expected increase in Greeks seeking medical assistance.

Other measures have included warning people to avoid enclosed spaces.

Athens municipality has shut its sports and youth centres, while the military was also put on alert to prevent an outbreak in its camps and bases.

A spokeswoman for the Centre for Special Infectious Diseases said tests were still being conducted to determine the identity of the virus and the results were tentatively due on Wednesday.