The Norovirus and not the water supply network is to blame for dozens of gastroenteritis cases on the island of Gavdos in south-eastern Aegean Sea.
These was the result of laboratory tests published by the Hospital in Chania, Crete, on Wednesday,
The norovirus typically occurs in conditions of overcrowding or poor hygiene and sanitation. The incubation period of the disease is 24 to 48 hours, with symptoms appearing suddenly and lasting from one to three days.
Concerned about the rise in gastroenteritis cases, the municipal authority had requested tests on water samples. In recent days, workers from the relevant services of the Region of Crete traveled to the island to inspect the water reservoirs and networks.
Speaking to state broadcaster ERT, the mayor of Gavdos, Lilian Stefanaki, reportedly attributed the spread to the peak of the August 15th celebrations, which increased overcrowding and contributed to the transmission of the virus from person to person.
Speaking also to ERT, the commander of the General Hospital of Chania, Giorgos Beas, said that the tests are carried out with great precision and give a reliable result, leaving zero doubt about the spread of the virus on the island. “The illness cannot have come from drinking the water, as a different bacteria should be found in the laboratory tests, which is not the case,” he said.
The Norovirus
Norovirus, also known as Norwalk virus and sometimes referred to as the winter vomiting disease, is the most common cause of gastroenteritis. Infection is characterized by non-bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Fever or headaches may also occur.
Symptoms usually develop 12 to 48 hours after being exposed, and recovery typically occurs within one to three days. Complications are uncommon, but may include dehydration, especially in the young, the old, and those with other health problems.
The virus is usually spread by the fecal–oral route. This may be through contaminated food or water or person-to-person contact. It may also spread via contaminated surfaces or through air from the vomit of an infected person.
Risk factors include unsanitary food preparation and sharing close quarters. Diagnosis is generally based on symptoms.
Confirmatory testing is not usually available but may be performed by public health agencies during outbreaks (more on wikipedia)
It was not an outbreak. It is a situation since July. Also last year. You might want to check, what the local doctor said on lifo.
Also: I was there. The camping areas look like refugee-camps. People moving their tents towards and between the houses. I am not an experts. But next up: Tuberculosis and Thyphus.
This right mayor has turned gavdos into a party-Mekka but forgot the infrastructure.