Patras: Antibiotics and recommendations for vaccination in close contacts of meningitis cases

The latest three recorded cases of meningitis concern students at the University of Patras and have alerted the health authorities of the city. The EODY made known that he would move to Patras after the cases of meningitis while antibiotics will be given to close contacts and a recommendation for vaccination. The announcement is as follows: The National Public Health Organisation (EOD) within its responsibilities oversees meningococcal disease as a mandatoryly declared disease and informs the Ministry of Health. During the COVID-19 pandemic the impact of the disease reached its lowest levels which was attributed to the implementation of restrictive measures (social distance, mask use, school closure). However, in the year 2023 the incidence of meningococcal disease increased by reaching pre-demic levels and within the year 2024 a total of 12 cases from across the country have been reported to the EOW. In particular, three (3) of the above cases concern students of University Institutions of the city of Patras and were reported to the EODY during the period 11/1/2024 to date. According to international guidelines, the detection of 3 cases of meningoccal disease of the same serogroup in an Organization (School, University Foundation, etc.) over a period of three months constitutes an outbreak of cases and it is recommended to extend the administration of chemoprophylaxis to a wider cycle than close contacts and targeted vaccination to close contacts in cases. Since the occurrence of the first case, EODY has been in close cooperation with 6 the Health District, the Public Health Directorate of the West Greece Region and the competent authorities of the university institutions. He sent instructions on investigating case contacts and direct administration of chemoprotection. In addition, following a relevant briefing and mandate from the Deputy Minister of Health Mrs. Irini Agalidakis, tomorrow (Thursday, 7 March 2024) in the morning, he will intervene on the spot with the transition of a step and the participation of the Mobile Health Groups (COMY) of the EODY in Patras. The scale will carry out updates to students attending the departments where the cases occurred and will provide chemoprotection to the close and wider contacts of cases, while targeted vaccination of close contacts is recommended, according to the opinion of the National Committee for Vaccinations (EEE). The EOB stresses in particular the importance of early detection and treatment of meningoccal disease cases. Citizens and especially young people who have clinical symptoms compatible with the disease (Pyreto and rash) should immediately address a physician. Doctors suspected of meningitis should immediately administer treatment and refer to a hospital.