Information on the meningococcal disease on the occasion of the statement of an outbreak to a University Foundation Student in the Municipality of Patras, was issued by the National Public Health Organization (EDY).

Meningitis disease – what is

According to EDYY, the meningococcus (neisseria meningitidis) is a bacterium colonizing the nasopharynx of asymptomatic individuals. Epidemiology of meningococcal disease is complicated and there are chronic bodies that do not get sick and people who will just be exposed will.

Asymptomatic meningococcus carriers are about 10% of the general population, but colonization rates vary with age, from 2% in children who do not attend kindergarten up to 24-37% of adolescents and young adults aged 15-24 years. Meningococcus is transmitted by direct close contact from person to person with respiratory droplets.

In rare cases, meningitis can penetrate a person’s nasopharyngeal epithelium, enter the bloodstream and cause life -threatening disease, such as microbiamia, meningococcal sepsis or meningitis. It is known internationally that there are thunderous forms of meningococcal disease.

Risk factors

Disease risk factors are smoking, recent disease disease disease, recent consumption of antibiotics, immunological deficits, person’s genetic substrate, age (infants younger than year, adolescents and young adults) The recent change of living environment, etc. It should be noted that after the rise of respiratory viruses, there is an outbreak of meningococcal disease.

Epidemiological Elements – Why hasn’t the ERYS go to Patras

In Greece, in the year 2024, 37 cases of meningococcal disease were reported to the ERD and in November of that year a death was recorded in a 16 -year -old person. From the beginning of 2025 until today 29/1/2025, 8 cases of meningococcal disease have been declared. With today’s data, The conditions for the sake of meningococcal disease are not met in the Municipality of Patrasfor this purpose there has been no ESY step to the area.

Prevention and Management Measures of the recent incident

According to EDY, the recent case of meningococcal disease at a University Foundation Student in the Municipality of Patras is underway to trace of close dangerous contacts and a chemotherapy is given to them. EDY is alert and closely monitors the epidemiological data of meningococcal disease and is on alert to apply additional measures, though it is necessary.

Clarification

Paralala, EDYI clarifies that The meningococcus germ does not survive in the environmenttherefore, there is no need to apply specific disinfection measures and the closure of educational units to prevent meningococcal disease transmission.

“EDY highlights the great importance of early detection and treatment of meningococcal disease. Citizens and especially young people with clinical symptoms compatible with the disease (fever and rash) should immediately apply to a doctor. Doctors on suspicion of meningitis should immediately administer treatment and refer to a hospital. ”