Greek health authorities are investigating a norovirus outbreak at a major public hospital in Athens after dozens of cases of gastroenteritis were reported among patients, visitors and medical staff.
According to hospital officials, at least 53 suspected cases were recorded over the course of one week. Of those, 38 involve doctors and nurses, while 15 cases concern patients and their companions. Ten cases have already been confirmed through laboratory testing, with the epidemiological investigation still ongoing.
In cooperation with Greece’s public health authority, the hospital has implemented a series of measures aimed at containing the spread of the virus. These include isolating infected patients, carrying out extensive disinfection procedures and removing staff members with suspected symptoms from active duty.
Hospital workers’ representatives said no patients are currently considered to be in danger and no healthcare employee has required hospitalization.
However, staff members have raised concerns over overcrowding inside the hospital, claiming that patients placed on temporary beds in corridors, combined with severe understaffing, contributed to the rapid spread of the virus.
Doctors and nurses have warned that conditions could worsen if additional measures are not introduced, particularly ahead of the hospital’s next scheduled emergency duty period later this week.
