An outbreak of meningitis was detected in a high school in Kalamata with the student being treated at the Kalamata Hospital. The case was confirmed today, with laboratory tests, and the School Management, the Director of Secondary Education as well as the Municipality of Kalamata were immediately notified.

Regarding the incident, the responsible Deputy Mayor for Education, Giorgos Favas informed the Kalamata Health Center and the health officer of the Peloponnese Region was also informed, who seemed reassuring, as it is an isolated case, which was treated at the Hospital with the prescribed treatment, is under monitoring and there is no cause for concern.

Three cases in students in Patras- Vaccination in their close environment and administration of chemoprophylaxis by EODY
Let’s remember that a few days ago, 3 cases were confirmed in Patras, involving students at the University. According to the EODY, these were cases of meningococcal disease that were detected in the previous period in students at University Institutions in Patras (University of Patras, and University of Peloponnese).

The three (3) of the above cases concern students of University Institutions of the city of Patras and were reported to EODY during the time period 11/1/2024 to today.

According to the international guidelines, the detection of 3 cases of meningococcal disease of the same serogroup in an Organization (School, University Institution, etc.) during a period of three months constitutes an outbreak of cases and it is recommended to extend the administration of chemoprophylaxis to a wider cycle of close contacts and targeted vaccination of close contacts of cases.

Since the appearance of the first case, EODY has been in close cooperation with the 6th Health Region, the Directorate of Public Health of the Region of Western Greece and the competent authorities of the university institutions. He sent instructions regarding the investigation of the contacts of the cases and the immediate administration of chemoprophylaxis.

In addition, following relevant information and instructions from the Deputy Minister of Health Ms. Irini Agapidakis, tomorrow (Thursday, March 7, 2024) morning she will carry out an on-site intervention with the transition of the level and the participation of the Mobile Health Teams (MOHY) of the EODY in Patra.

The team will inform the students studying in the departments where the cases appeared and will administer chemoprophylaxis to the close and wider contacts of the cases, while targeted vaccination of close contacts is recommended, according to the opinion of the National Immunization Committee (NEC).

EODY particularly emphasizes the great importance of early detection and treatment of cases of meningococcal disease. Citizens and especially young people who have clinical symptoms compatible with the disease (fever and rash) should immediately contact a doctor.

Physicians on suspicion of meningitis should immediately administer treatment and refer to a hospital.

As pointed out by EODY, in 2023 the incidence of meningococcal disease increased reaching pre-pandemic levels and within the year 2024 a total of 12 cases from all over the country have been reported to EODY so far