The EODY remains in a state of increased surveillance, in case it needs to intervene in Patras, if new cases of meningitis appear.
“The authorities and EODY will remain in a state of increased surveillance, so that we know if another case appears and if any further measures need to be implemented in Patras. The levels remained until Friday and if necessary they will return following the Carnival” Dimitris Paraskevis, professor of Epidemiology-Preventive Medicine- EKPA and member of the EODY Board of Directors, told FM Agency.
The organization has seen an increased number of meningitis cases in this period compared to 2023 and therefore there have been interventions to implement preventive measures.
The situation was considered extremely worrying, as a large gathering of people is expected in Patras these days, flocking because of the Carnival. However, Mr. Paraskevis clarifies that meningitis is not as easily transmitted as the coronavirus. As long as the preventive measures and interventions announced by EODY are followed, the situation is expected to be brought under control soon and effectively.
Chemoprophylaxis for thousands of students
“Since the middle of the week, preventive chemoprophylaxis (antimicrobial treatment) has already been administered by the EODY mobile units to a very large number of students (the planning is for 3,000-5,000) regardless of whether they are contacts or not, in order to be sure that they will effective containment or very little risk of further spread. This is the reason why chemoprophylaxis is administered as a preventive measure, so that if someone is infected, they do not transmit, but also do not show serious symptoms,” said Mr. Paraskevis.
The levels of EODY, in addition to providing preventive treatment, also provided information regarding meningitis to the community and local authorities.
Very little risk of serious outcome if diagnosed early
Are there any contraindications for this treatment, or categories of people who cannot for medical reasons receive it? There are contraindications, but in these cases there is an alternative medicine, answers Mr. Paraskevis, who, regarding the penetrance of the disease, says that it depends on the nature of the contact.
“In other words, there is a chance of getting stuck if we stay in a closed space for a long time at a distance of less than two meters. And for this reason, the risk concerns very close contacts and especially people who live together. The risk of a serious outcome is very small when the diagnosis is made in time and immediate treatment is given to microbial meningitis, which otherwise can cause serious illness and hospitalization in the ICU.” We know that there is no self-test but only a test done in health units. So what should we watch out for, what should we prevent, asks the professor. “If we develop a fever, rash, inability to concentrate, or stiff neck, we should stay at home, not have contact with other people and immediately seek medical advice, but not to worry.”
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