Greece closes schools in several cities across the country - Due to the high number of cases of group A streptococcus!
Greek health authorities remain on alert after a surge in group A streptococcus (strep A) infections in several regions, prompting the temporary closure of schools as a precaution, Greek media outlet Ekathimerini reports.
The new cases have been reported at schools in Kalamaria and Oraiokastro in both the Thessaloniki area, as well as in the regions of Serres, Crete and Attica, according to local officials.
The National Public Health Organization (EODY) has issued updated guidelines on the transmission and prevention of bacterial infection. Streptococcus A is spread primarily through respiratory droplets from symptomatic individuals, contact with contaminated surfaces or skin lesions, and occasionally by asymptomatic carriers. However, symptomatic individuals are significantly more infectious.
Recommended preventive measures include frequent hand washing, avoiding close contact, ensuring adequate classroom ventilation, regular cleaning of common surfaces, and home isolation of confirmed cases for at least 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment.
Despite the increase in cases, EODY President Christos Hatzichristodoulou urged local authorities and parents not to close schools or carry out disinfection procedures, which he described as unnecessary and potentially counterproductive.
"It is understandable that municipalities and parents want to protect children, but these actions may not help and may even cause harm ," Hatzichristodoulou told public broadcaster ERT. "Schools must remain open, and surface disinfections offer no real benefit in this case."
He noted that, unlike viruses like Covid-19, strep A bacteria do not survive long on surfaces. "This bacteria needs a human host. It does not persist in the environment, " he said.
Instead, he called for calm and adherence to basic hygiene practices, stressing that infected children should stay home for at least 24 hours after starting antibiotics to prevent further transmission.
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