Health authorities in Greece are responding to a norovirus outbreak at Athens’ Attikon University Hospital after dozens of suspected gastroenteritis cases were reported among both patients and medical staff.
According to hospital information, the outbreak began in the hospital’s neurosurgery department on May 21. By May 26, a total of 53 suspected gastroenteritis cases had been identified involving employees and patients.
Laboratory tests confirmed nine cases of norovirus, including five patients and four members of staff. The remaining suspected cases are either still under investigation or tested negative.
Hospital officials said no staff member required hospitalization and noted that the overall situation appears to be improving.
Containment Measures Implemented
In cooperation with Greece’s national public health organization, the hospital has introduced a series of measures aimed at limiting the spread of the virus.
These include patient isolation, leave for employees showing symptoms, disinfection procedures and stricter hygiene protocols. A hospital committee specializing in infection prevention is also overseeing the response.
Union representatives for public hospital workers said the hospital continues to operate normally while the outbreak appears to be subsiding.
Staff Raise Concerns Over Hospital Conditions
Hospital employees’ representatives argued that the outbreak highlights broader problems affecting public healthcare facilities, including overcrowding and staff shortages.
According to workers’ representatives, highly contagious viruses can spread more easily in hospitals operating beyond capacity, with patients treated in corridors and medical staff covering multiple roles.
They questioned how isolation measures and movement restrictions can be effectively enforced when patients are being accommodated outside regular wards and without adequate infrastructure.
The workers’ union called for additional protective equipment and staffing, the removal of corridor beds and temporary relief from emergency duty schedules to prevent further strain on the hospital.
They also warned that additional admissions could worsen the situation if overcrowding continues.
