Nine Norovirus Cases at Athens Hospital – But Officials Say Everything Is Under Control

A hospital in western Athens is dealing with an outbreak of norovirus. Nine cases have been confirmed so far. The management of Attikon Hospital in Haidari says the situation is under control – but they are not taking any chances.

From the moment the first acute gastroenteritis cases were detected, all prescribed surveillance and infection-prevention protocols were activated, according to a statement by the Hospital Administration and the Infections Committee, which includes Professors Sp. Pournaras and Sot. Tsiodras. The hospital has been working closely with the Hospital Infection Committee and the competent health authorities.

Norovirus is highly contagious. It causes vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. It spreads through contaminated surfaces, direct contact with an infected person, or contaminated food and water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not kill it effectively – soap and water are required.

The hospital says the recorded cases involve patients, accompanying relatives, and health professionals. All have shown mild, self-limiting symptoms. At present, there is no indication of a serious threat to public health or to the overall functioning of the hospital, the statement adds.

Still, the hospital is not relaxing. Enhanced prevention and infection-control measures have already been implemented. These include strict adherence to hand hygiene with soap and water, intensified cleaning and disinfection of surfaces using a bleach solution, appropriate personal protective equipment where required, isolation of cases following international protocols, epidemiological surveillance of patients and staff, and guidance for accompanying relatives along with visitor restrictions.

Sample-based laboratory testing has confirmed the presence of norovirus in nine suspected cases. The epidemiological investigation is ongoing. The hospital continues to operate normally and safely, authorities said, with the situation being monitored around the clock.

The statement notes that these are cases of gastroenteritis consistent with norovirus infection – a phenomenon frequently observed both in hospital units and in the community internationally, particularly because of the virus's high transmissibility.

For now, nine people have tested positive. Dozens more are being monitored. The hospital is telling the public not to panic. And the cleaning crews are scrubbing every surface with bleach – because with norovirus, alcohol just does not cut it.