Μake us preferred on Google Health authorities in Elassona, Larissa, are investigating a surge in gastroenteritis cases after more than 250 people sought treatment at the local health center over three days, placing considerable pressure on medical staff. The outbreak began Friday, Nov. 6, when 85 of the 111 patients examined at the health center reported symptoms of gastroenteritis, according to local news website kosmoslarissa.gr. Another 72 cases were recorded Saturday, among 90 people examined. The number fell to 51 on Sunday, suggesting that the outbreak may be easing.
The influx of patients has strained the health center’s medical and nursing staff, while an unknown number of residents experiencing symptoms have remained at home rather than seeking treatment. Several health center employees have also fallen ill, although none of the facility’s doctors have been affected.
Konstantinos Vatalis, the health center’s coordinator, said the most common symptoms were diarrhea, vomiting and fever.
Water Supply Tested as Officials Investigate Cause
The Municipality of Elassona and the regional authorities of Thessaly have launched an investigation into the source of the outbreak.
Water samples were collected from the town’s drinking water network and the nearby communities of Galanovrysi and Stefanovouno to determine whether contamination could be responsible. Initial tests conducted by public health authorities and the local municipal water utility found no evidence linking the water supply to the illnesses. Further sampling and laboratory analysis are underway.
Elassona Mayor Nikos Gatsas confirmed that Greece’s National Public Health Organization (EODY) had been formally notified. Gatsas said a viral outbreak was considered the most likely explanation, noting that similar incidents had occurred in the area in the past.
Health authorities remain on alert as they await further laboratory results to establish the cause of the outbreak.
