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Ένας φοιτητής από την Πάτρα πέθανε από μηνιγγίτιδα. Η δημόσια υγεία επιβεβαίωσε ότι δεν υπάρχει επιδημία. Το πανεπιστήμιο έλαβε μέτρα ασφαλείας . Κάποιοι γιατροί ζητούν εμβόλια για όλους τους φοιτητές. Οι γονείς καλούνται να εμβολιάσουν τα παιδιά τους για πρόληψη . Η δημόσια υγεία λέει ότι δεν χρειάζεται γενική εμβολιαστική εκστρατεία τώρα.

Translation

A student from Patras has died from meningitis. Public health officials have confirmed that there is no epidemic. The university has implemented safety measures. Some doctors are demanding vaccinations for all students. Parents are being urged to have their children vaccinated as a precaution. Public health authorities state that a general vaccination campaign is not necessary at the moment.

Exercise: Text comprehension

Question 1: What happened to a student in Patras?

A student in Patras died from meningitis.

Question 2: What measures did the university take after the student's death?

The university took safety measures after the student's death.

Exercise: Vocabulary

(m.) - student

(f.) - safety

(m.) - doctor

(n.) - vaccine

(f.) - prevention

(f.) - campaign

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▌30/01/2025

The recent death of a 20-year-old student from meningitis in Patras, Greece, has prompted significant concern and calls for action from both health authorities and private doctors. The young man, a student at the University of Patras, succumbed to the disease despite being quickly hospitalised after experiencing symptoms.

The Hellenic National Public Health Organization (EODY) confirmed that the student fell ill during exams and was diagnosed swiftly with a severe form of meningitis at the university hospital. Despite being placed in intensive care, he sadly passed away.

EODY has issued a statement reassuring the public that there is currently no evidence of a meningitis outbreak in Patras. Between the start of 2025 and the end of January, Greece recorded eight cases of meningococcal disease, with no evidence of clustering in the Patras area. Therefore, they have not initiated widespread containment measures in the region. However, they are conducting contact tracing and providing chemoprophylaxis to close contacts as a precaution.

In response to the incident, the University of Patras, in collaboration with health authorities, took immediate measures to safeguard students and staff. This included disinfecting university spaces, postponing some examinations, and issuing advisories on recognizing meningitis symptoms and prevention strategies.

Tragic Meningitis Case in Patras Sparks Health Debate Tragic Meningitis Case in Patras Sparks Health Debate (Illustration)

Contrary to EODY’s stance, the Hellenic Association of Private Paediatricians has advocated for a proactive vaccination campaign. They propose that all students, especially those in dormitories, should be vaccinated against meningitis type B, aligning with practices in several other countries where such vaccinations are mandatory for university enrolment.

Paediatricians emphasize that while chemoprophylaxis is a good temporary measure, it cannot replace the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing disease spread. They urge parents to independently vaccinate their children against the meningococcus B strain, highlighting previous instances where students were severely affected.

EODY, however, maintains that there is currently no need for a blanket vaccination program, citing no substantial increase in case numbers that would necessitate such an intervention.

This event underscores the broader debate on public health strategies in Greece, balancing immediate response to outbreaks with long-term preventive healthcare measures. As this discussion continues, authorities and healthcare professionals are watching closely for any changes in meningitis case patterns in the region.

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