A health team from EODY is heading to Kea Island following an outbreak of gastroenteritis cases that emerged on the island over the past ten days, causing significant concern among residents and visitors. The team’s goal is to identify the cause of the outbreak, with water contamination being the most likely scenario. In an announcement issued by the Municipality of Kea, it is noted that “during the Assumption holiday weekend, gastroenteritis cases indeed appeared, as typically occurs during periods of increased visitor arrivals. However, after those days, cases have been steadily decreasing on a daily basis.”
Former EINAP president Dr. Matina Pagoni, speaking earlier on ANT1, provided reassurance, explaining that these are viral gastroenteritis cases that logically spread more during summer and show increases. Dr. Pagoni began her statement by initially noting that this year we had numerous viral gastroenteritis cases from May onwards in our country. “These gastroenteritis outbreaks come in waves, meaning they have periods where many occur together and spread from person to person…viral infections transmit very easily and require special attention,” Dr. Pagoni explained.
As she stated, symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and in many cases, fever. She noted, however, that symptoms were short-lived and viral in origin. “It passed, but it spread from person to person, that’s the truth,” she added. Matina Pagoni also emphasized that, especially during vacation periods, we must be particularly careful with pools, hotels, toilets, and towels we use.
Gastroenteritis cases: What the Municipality states in its announcement
Following meetings and briefings with relevant authorities, the Municipality of Kea issued the following announcement:
During the Assumption holiday weekend, gastroenteritis cases indeed appeared, as typically occurs during periods of increased visitor arrivals. However, after those days, cases have been steadily decreasing on a daily basis.
Information reporting 80 daily cases at the Regional Medical Center, or 1,500 at the pharmacy, or even death due to dehydration is completely unfounded. No such data has been officially recorded.
The Municipality of Kea categorically condemns the sources that arbitrarily proceeded to publish such unsubstantiated information, which damages our island.
