From the first moment that cases of acute gastroenteritis were identified at Attikon Hospital, all the prescribed protocols for surveillance and prevention of infections were activated, in close cooperation with the Hospital Infections Committee and the competent health authorities, says a statement by the hospital’s management and the Infections Committee (Professors Sp. Pournaras and Sot. Tsiodras).
It notes that “these are cases of gastroenteritis compatible with norovirus infection, a phenomenon frequently observed both in hospital units and in the community internationally, particularly due to the high transmissibility of the virus.”
Sampling laboratory testing has confirmed the presence of norovirus in nine suspected cases, while epidemiological investigation continues.
The cases recorded involve patients, attendants and health professionals with mild and self-limiting symptoms. There is no indication at this time of a serious threat to public health or the overall operation of the hospital, the statement said.
Enhanced spread prevention and control measures have already been implemented including:
* strict adherence to hand hygiene (with soap and water due to the resistance of norovirus to alcohol-based antiseptics)
* intensify cleaning and disinfection of surfaces (with bleach solution)
* use of appropriate personal protective equipment where required
* isolation of incidents in accordance with international protocols
* epidemiological surveillance of patients and staff
* instructions to attendants and staff – restriction of visitors
