In the wake of the third reported case of meningitis involving a University of Patras student this year, a team from the National Organization for Public Health (EODY) is set to investigate the situation on Thursday. The 20-year-old patient is currently in critical condition, receiving intensive care at “Agios Andreas” hospital.
Based on reports from local news websites, the 20-year-old student is hospitalized and intubated, with plans to transfer him to the University Hospital of Patras. It’s noteworthy that the student was found in a deteriorated state at his home by his parents.
Growing fears for a potential meningitis outbreak among university students
Recently, two more cases, also affecting students, raised alarm within the health authorities, sparking fears of potential spread within the student community.
The first incident of meningitis in Patras was documented in mid-January when a freshman student from the Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering fell ill with meningitis caused by the pathogenic meningococcus.
The second incident came to light when a mathematics department student felt unwell in late February during a university sit-in assembly and collapsed. The 20-year-old student was promptly transported to the hospital, where she was intubated and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.
These developments have prompted heightened concern, leading to the EODY team’s intervention. The team is anticipated to provide essential guidance on preventing, detecting, and responding to potential outbreaks.
Giannis Karvelis, a regional health official, disclosed to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency that a specific protocol outlining measures and instructions has been promptly implemented.
Meningitis, a perilous inflammation affecting the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord, is typically triggered by an infection. Symptoms encompass headaches, fever, a stiff neck, and sensitivity to light. Urgent medical attention is imperative to avert severe complications.
