The salmonella outbreak that triggered a major public health response in Lamia over recent days appears to be winding down. The investigation was launched after dozens of residents were admitted to Lamia General Hospital presenting symptoms of acute gastroenteritis. Initial findings led health authorities to search for a common source of contamination, with inspections focusing on the food supply chain.
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Speaking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA), Andreas Toulias, Regional Deputy Governor for Health of Central Greece, stated: “The picture we have right now shows that the situation is under control and is entering a de-escalation phase. The health condition of those hospitalized is good and most are expected to be discharged shortly. Controls are continuing at all levels and samples have been sent for laboratory analysis, the results of which we are awaiting.”
Lamia: 22 confirmed salmonella cases — 12 patients remain hospitalized
According to official data from the Region of Central Greece, 22 cases of salmonella infection have been confirmed so far, while 12 patients remain hospitalized in the Internal Medicine Ward and the Short-Stay Unit of Lamia General Hospital. Their condition is reported as good, and most of those affected — the majority of whom are young adults under 30 — are expected to be discharged on Wednesday, July 15.
A coordination meeting was also held today, attended by Regional Deputy Governor for Health Andreas Toulias, Deputy Governor of the Phthiotis Regional Unit Ilias Sanidas, Deputy Governor for Agricultural Economy, Livestock, and Fisheries Konstantinos Apostolopoulos, and senior officials from the relevant departments.
In an official statement, the Region of Central Greece emphasized that Lamia General Hospital carried out laboratory identification of the bacterium and immediately notified the competent authorities. The National Public Health Organization (EODY) is in continuous contact with the Directorate of Public Health and Social Care of the Phthiotis Regional Unit, while joint inspection teams are conducting extensive checks at food establishments across Lamia.
According to regional data, the epidemiological investigation conducted so far reveals that the patients have no connection to one another and did not share a common meal. However, they had all visited six different food service establishments.
As part of the full traceability investigation, employees of the implicated establishments, as well as individuals linked to the supply chain, have undergone microbiological testing. The results are pending.
At the same time, veterinary and health inspections across the entire supply chain of the supplier under investigation are being intensified.
Continuous communication is being maintained with the management of Lamia General Hospital to monitor the condition of patients. A formal document has also been sent to the relevant Directorate of Agricultural Economy and Veterinary Services in the region where the supplier’s facility is based, requesting that corresponding inspection actions be initiated.
Immediately following the meeting, Deputy Governor Toulias visited Lamia General Hospital, where he met with medical and administrative staff and was briefed on the condition of the hospitalized patients.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities continuing to evaluate the results of the inspections and laboratory analyses.
