Norovirus gastroenteritis outbreak in Athens Atticon University hospital

A norovirus gastroenteritis outbreak in Atticon University hospital in western Athens has sounded alarm and concern, while it also exposed grave shortcomings in the safety measures of the hospital.

Hospital workers report of dozens of cases among healthcare workers, patients and companions, while the facility management appears reassuring claiming there is no risk for the public health.

According to state broadcaster ERT, the gastroenteritis started in the neurosurgical clinic of the hospital on May 21 and apparently spread quickly resulting in 52 suspected infections.

On Thursday, when the hospital workers union made the virus spread known to public, 9 people – 4 patients and 5 members of personnel – have been confirmed to have been affected with the Norovirus, so far.

The highly contagious Norovirus, also known as Norwalk virus, is the most common cause of gastroenteritis. The infection is characterized by non-bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Fever or headaches may also occur.

Hospital Workers Union warned for years

The hospital workers’ union said in a statement that at least 25 cases have already been recorded among healthcare workers, while dozens of patients and attendants are also sick. Employees express fears for further spread of the highly contagious virus within the hospital.

As they point out, the situation is directly linked to the chronic under-staffing and permanent overcrowding of the hospital, as many patients are being treated on beds in the corridors, without adequate infrastructure and without the ability to implement basic isolation measures.

“How can isolation measures be implemented when dozens of patients are hospitalized in corridors without even basic infrastructure?” the union said in a statement.

Furthermore, the workers union claimed that under these conditions it becomes extremely difficult to comply with hygiene rules, such as separate use of toilets, restriction of movement and safe isolation of cases.

The union added that it had warned for years that the hospital was operating beyond capacity, with overcrowded wards and exhausted staff unable to ensure safe care conditions.

It called on health authorities to suspend new admissions during Saturday’s scheduled emergency duty shift and demanded immediate hiring of permanent staff and an end to hallway patient treatment.

The hospital management

In a statement the hospital management issued on Thursday, it stated that from the very beginning, all the required infection surveillance and prevention protocols were activated, in collaboration with the Hospital Infections Committee and the competent health authorities.

At the same time, it assured that the situation is being closely monitored and that the hospital is operating normally.

According to the hospital administration, these are cases of gastroenteritis compatible with norovirus, a highly contagious virus that frequently appears both in hospital units and in the community internationally.

The sample laboratory test confirmed the presence of norovirus in nine suspected cases, while the epidemiological investigation continues.

It pointed out, the cases concern patients, companions and health professionals, with the symptoms – according to the administration – being mild and self-limiting. At the same time, it is clarified that there is no indication of a serious threat to public health or to the overall operation of the hospital.

In the context of limiting the Norovirus spread, enhanced protective measures have already been taken, such as:

• strict hand hygiene with soap and water,
• intensive cleaning and disinfection of surfaces with chlorine,
• use of personal protective equipment where required,
• isolation of cases in accordance with international protocols,
• epidemiological surveillance of patients and staff,
• special instructions for attendants and employees,
• restriction of visiting hours.

At the same time, the hospital clarified that there is no indication of a serious threat to public health or to the overall operation of the hospital.

PS three years ago, a relative with kidney collapse spent 4 days on a stretch in the hallway in a clinic irrelevant to his disease. He was later move into a ward in the Dermatology Clinic and got one infection after the other, despite the fact that he was undergoing dialysis three times a week. Guess his end after and a half months in this hospital.