Several schools across Greece were temporarily closed on Monday following the detection of Group A streptococcus infections in various regions. The closures, which local authorities say are precautionary, affected schools in both urban and rural areas, including Thessaloniki, Serres, Attica (the region that includes Athens), and Crete. In some areas, such as the municipalities of Kalamaria and Delta in northern Greece, schools and kindergartens were shut, and disinfection procedures were initiated after multiple cases were reported. Similar measures were taken in the regions of Oraiokastro and Rethymno, as well as in select schools in the greater Athens area.
Despite these actions, Greece’s top public health official is urging restraint. Christos Chatzichristodoulou, president of the National Public Health Organization (EODY), stated that neither disinfections nor school closures are necessary to manage the spread of streptococcus. He emphasized that the bacterium does not survive on surfaces or in the environment and needs human contact to spread — unlike viruses such as COVID-19. Shutting down schools, he warned, may offer a false sense of security and could even backfire.
Instead, EODY advises that any child showing symptoms — particularly sore throat and fever — stay home for at least 24 hours after beginning antibiotics to avoid infecting others. Basic hygiene measures such as frequent handwashing, avoiding the sharing of personal items, and thorough cleaning of classrooms are recommended. According to Chatzichristodoulou, the most serious cases of invasive streptococcal disease are rare but potentially fatal, with a mortality rate around 25%. He noted that while Greece recorded 90 invasive cases in 2023 and 68 in 2024, hundreds of less severe cases also occur annually. The focus, he said, should be on vigilance among parents and teachers, rather than widespread school closures.
Group A streptococcus is a common bacterial infection that spreads through droplets, close contact, or skin lesions, and can be carried by people without symptoms. It typically causes mild illness such as strep throat but can, in rare cases, lead to severe invasive infections. Greek health authorities have implemented a monitoring system to track these more serious cases and issue public health guidance accordingly.
