EOMI: Just 600 students have received antibiotic treatment for meningitis in Patras

Despite the EOW’s intention to intensify the administration of antibiotic chemoprophylaxis amid an outbreak of cases in Patras, with the culmination of the three-day events on the , the students’ interest proves anemic. EODY has put in place an emergency plan, due to the response cases of bacterial meningitis II, identified in the last 1.5 months to students at Universities and Peloponnese. The Agency is on guard and alert because of the carnival. The plan provides for information to the local population and for the administration of chemoprotection (the antibiotic rifampicin). However, although in the design of health authorities it was to administer condominium medication to about 3,000 – 5,000 people, students probably have more in mind Carnival. According to iatropedia.gr, EODY’s steps in Patras since last Friday (08.03. 24) have not administered rifampacin therapy to more than 600 students. Dimitris Iliopoulos, director at the EOMI Department of Electronic Health, says: “Chemotherapy is continued in order to reduce the risk of transmission. Some shapes were given on Wednesday (13.03) and Thursday (14.03) at the University of Peloponnese and the distribution of chemoprophylaxis continues. They also received chemotherapy at the student club of the University of Patras.” The health authorities point out, however, that anyone who wishes to receive preventive chemotherapy may also address the EOPI. Why prophylactic treatment is given Precautionary treatment helps reduce the rate and drastically reduce the chances of increased cases. “The purpose of chemoprophylaxis is due to co-administration, to reduce the vector of the virus in the respiratory system, thus reducing the development of the disease. Those vaccinated with two doses for meningitis B, especially in the last five years, are protected,” says Mr. He adds that the bacterium can be detected in about 7 to 8 out of 10 people. “If one develops the disease it has to do with various factors related to the immune system. The bacterium is normally found in the 70%-80% oropharynx of humans. If someone doesn’t have a high load and get the precaution in time, it’s covered. The sooner the antibiotic gets someone who has been exposed, the better it prevents the development of the infection,” he says. Please note that the first case of meningitococcus in an 18-year-old student of the University of Patras occurred in mid-January. A second 20-year-old student in Mathematics followed and last case was the 20-year-old student of the Electrical Engineering department. All young children were admitted for hospitalization at the University Hospital of Patras in Rio, while the 20-year-old student and 20-year-old student, who, however, has improved and is expected to leave the Intensive Care Unit. Reportage: Janna Soulaki/ Source: Iatropedia.gr