They are not due to her water Gavdou the cases gastroenteritis which showed an outbreak recently on the island, according to the results of the stool samples analyzed in the microbiological laboratories of the Chania Hospital.

In recent times there has been strong concern over the increased cases – from 20 to 30 a day – and suspicions of contaminated water in the island’s water supply network from cesspools – and therefore a formal examination of water samples has been requested by the municipal authority.

After all, it’s about norovirus which is the main cause of occurrence viral gastroenteritismainly in conditions of overcrowding or inappropriate conditions of hygiene and cleanliness, and as the mayor of Gavdos, Lilian Stefanaki, pointed out, not in water.

The incubation time is from 24 to 48 hours and symptoms appear suddenly and last from one to three days.

However, water samples from Gavdos have already been sent to EODY for further testing.

In a statement to APE-MPE, the mayor, Mrs. Stefanaki, underlined: “The Municipal Authority of Gavdos took a responsible stance from the beginning and considered that the whole issue should not be expanded with various speculations that create confusion and misinformation for visitors and residents our island, until the control of the samples was completed, which finally justified our decision. Everyone knows that water is a basic good for our island and we should not “play” with words. As a Municipality, we must and do so, to monitor the quality of the water in the boreholes, with continuous measurements and controls, to the extent possible and legal”.