We have an increased incidence, an increased number of meningitis cases in this period, compared to 2023 and this was also the reason for the interventions by EODY in terms of the implementation of preventive measures. The timing is worrying because of the Carnival, as a large number of people are expected to converge in the Patras area. However, it is worth noting that it is not a disease that spreads as easily as coronavirus and by observing the preventive measures, as well as the interventions that EODY has already taken, we hope that the situation will be limited and the phenomenon will be controlled soon and effectively.
Dimitris Paraskevis, professor of Epidemiology-Preventive Medicine- EKPA and member of the Board of Directors of the EODY, states the above in an interview with the FM Agency and on Tania Madouvalou’s show “104.9 Mystika tetsikas”, who explains in detail the interventions of the EODY.
“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 preventively, so that if someone is infected, they do not transmit, but also do not show serious symptoms.”
As the professor says, the levels of the EODY, in addition to providing preventive treatment, also provided information about meningitis to the community and local authorities. “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 echelons remained until Friday and if necessary they will return after the Carnival.”
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? the question reasonably arises. 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.”
Source: RES-MPE
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