The National Public Health Organization (ERD) was informed by a hospital in Attica for Case of encephalitis or meningoencephalitis in an EPAL student of Attica. The condition of the child is considered serious and is hospitalized in an increased care unit (MAF). The etiology of the disease is likely to be viral but for the time being remains unknown and the incident is being investigated. Instructions have been given to send samples to the EDY Mening Center.
It should be noted that no EPAL school units have been given by ERDY. Until the existence of a clear diagnosis of the incident, it is not recommended to take any other specific measure (eg chemoprophyosis) beyond general measures to enhance individual hygiene and hand washing.
It is clarified that this case has nothing to do with cases of meningococcal meningitis observed in Patras and other areas of Greece.
Meningitis – what should we know
What are the main carriers of the disease in the community and how can transmission be limited?
Asymptomatic meningococcus bodies are about 10% of the general population, but rates range from 2% to children who do not attend a kindergarten of up to 24-37% in adolescents and young adults aged 15-24 years. The pathogen is transmitted by direct contact from person to person with droplets of respiratory secretions and is limited by the application of respiratory protection measures.
Are seasonal outbreaks or outbreaks in specific age groups?
In Europe and our country, the impact of meningococcal disease is greater in winter and spring. The disease has the highest incidence in infants and young children in the 0-4 year old group.
Are there areas in Greece with a higher incidence of meningitis?
At times it is likely that outbreaks of a certain area will occur. At this stage, however, the criteria for the exacerbation of meningococcal disease is not met in any region of the country.
How does EDY monitor the spread of meningitis and what measures are taken in the event of an epidemic?
THE EYE It epidemiologically monitors meningitis as a whole, that is, both meningococcal disease and other bacterial and aseptic meningitis.
EDY is in collaboration with the National Meningitis Reporting Center which identifies and standardize the causative factors that cause bacterial meningitis. In particular, in cases of outbreaks of meningococcal disease, a molecular genuine gap and detection of the responsible clone that causes the disease or outbreaks.
In addition, the EDY issues relevant instructions on the administration of chemo -surrender to the close contacts of patients with meningococcal disease to prevent secondary outbreaks, since early administration of chemoprophyosis in close contact is the most important measure for protection.
The decision to vaccinate in the environment of the outbreaks is taken on a case -by -case basis, in accordance with the instructions of the EDU and the EU, upon evaluation of the epidemiological data.
What additional measures are proposed to protect against meningitis other than vaccination?
Significant preventive measures to protect against meningococcal disease outside the vaccination are:
- Informing the public about the need to avoid close contact and exposure to droplets
- The reduction of synchronization
- Immediate administration of chemo -surrender to close contact contacts