The number of children in Larissa who are sick with the coxsackie virus has reached 41, according to an announcement by EODY.

Of the 41 children, 35 were under the age of 6. The majority presented a mild clinical picture, while 6 children were hospitalized for a few days, mainly due to inability to feed.

EODY notes that “the epidemiological picture related to the detection of cases only in P.E. Larisa and the absence of detection from the rest of the P.E. of Thessaly that have been affected by the flood after the bad weather “Daniel”, is indicative that the circulation of the coxsackie virus is not related to the flood”.

The announcement of EODY

“Coxsackie virus infection is a viral disease, often of early childhood, with usual symptoms such as fever, rash, symptoms from the upper respiratory or gastrointestinal system and in the majority of cases it is self-infectious.

The coxsackie virus belongs to the enterovirus genus and is classified into two groups, group A and group B. It is transmitted from person to person through direct close contact with respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing, talking) and through faecal-oral route. Coxsackie virus infections are seen every year, but usually peak in the fall.

The disease is not included in the monitored diseases at the European level as well as in our country. As part of the enhanced surveillance of respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, a syndromic network of primary health care was installed and is operating in the flooded areas of Thessaly. The increased syndromic and laboratory surveillance in the area has contributed to the diagnosis of infections, which show an exacerbation during the autumn period and are probably not related to the flood phenomena. Laboratory investigation is performed through devices suitable for field investigation (POCs).

During the period between 23/10/2023 and 13/11/2023, a total of 41 children with a clinical picture of coxsackie have been registered in the regional unit of Larissa, of which 35 were under the age of 6. The majority of children presented a mild clinical picture, while 6 children were hospitalized for a few days (mainly due to inability to feed). During this period no increasing trend was observed in coxsackie cases. Through the laboratory investigation, 12 children were found positive for enteroviruses in P.E. Larisa.

Similar incidents were not reported in the regional units of Magnesia, Trikala and Karditsa. The epidemiological picture related to the detection of cases only in P.E. Larisa and the absence of detection from the rest of the P.E. of Thessaly that have been affected by the flood after the bad weather “Daniel”, is indicative that the circulation of the coxsackie virus is not related to the flood. Due to the fact that the disease is not systematically monitored by the Directorate of Epidemiological Surveillance & Intervention for Infectious Diseases of the EODY, it cannot be estimated whether the incidents in the current period show an increase compared to previous periods.

Indicated measures to prevent the spread of the virus in case of a case, are the removal of the case from his school unit until the complete remission of his symptoms and the strict observance of the rules of personal hygiene of children, teachers – school staff (regular and thorough hand washing , especially before eating and after every visit to the toilet). In addition, good ventilation of all areas, thorough cleaning of touched surfaces and toilets are recommended. It should be noted that it is not advisable as a preventive measure to close the school unit where the outbreak or outbreaks have occurred.

It is recommended that the parents of the other children be informed about the presence of cases in the school community and consult their doctor in case their own child shows similar symptoms.”