Background An increased likelihood of transmission of communicable diseases such as invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) exists in refugee camps. Herein, we describe an outbreak investigation of 5 IMD cases among immigrants in Greece. Methods Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data (culture and molecular identification) as well as the public health management concerning an outbreak of meningococcal disease in a refugee Reception Identification Center (RIC), are described. Results During the period 17th January - 17th February 2020, five cases of IMD in refugees were reported to the National Public Health Organization (NPHO). Four cases were from Afghanistan and resided in the RIC of Lesvos Island; two females aged 2 yo and 21 yo and two males 13 yo and 6 yo. The fifth case, a 4 month old male of Syrian nationality, exhibited symptoms after moving to an inland accommodation center (AC) from Lesvos RIC, on December 2019. Four of the cases presented with meningitis and septicaemia. All cases recovered and had no common exposure other than shared geographic space. Neisseria meningitidis was identified by molecular typing (mPCR, PorA, MLST, WGS) in all cases at the National Meningitis Reference Laboratory; 3/5 cases were identified as MenB, porA 7-2,4, and ST-3129 (new clone) while 2/5 (21 yo female, 13 yo male) as MenY, porA: 5.2, ST-22cc. To prevent secondary cases, antimicrobial chemoprophylaxis via Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) was administered to 4.024 Afgan close contacts (26.7% of the total Afgan population). MenACWY and MenB vaccination was recommended in response to outbreak among persons aged < 20 years old. No new IMD case occurred in the RIC during a follow-up period of 4 months. Conclusion The detection of a new clone in Greece of Chinese and Taiwanese origin through migrants, further underlines the need of enhanced surveillance for early detection, molecular typing, immediate intervention with antibiotic prophylaxis and/or supplemental vaccination in order to prevent IMD in refugee camps. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures
This specific intervention aims to limit the rates of school dropout. In order to limit the rates of school dropout and to increase the school performance of students with different cultural characteristics, who attend the schools of the Directorate of Secondary Education of West Attica in the school years 2021- 2022, mobilities were implemented in the context of the Erasmus program following intercultural education. Implementing the mobilities was deemed necessary because in the cities of West Attica, during the same period, incidents of delinquency, violence, and battles took place daily between different foreigners or between foreigners and Greeks or Roma. The implementing method of the intervention is an observation with a structured observation sheet with open-ended questions. Positive results, coming out of the mobilities, were that the teachers who served in those schools, who did not always have the required knowledge in intercultural education, were made aware and trained in the effective management of heterogeneity both in students and in their parents for the benefit not only of the school community but more broadly of society—the consequences of this action concern the parents of the children and the society in general.
In April 2020, a coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak was identified among migrants/refugees in Greece. Overall, 155 of 450 hosted migrants and two of 46 employees were infected (attack rates: 34.4% and 4.3%, respectively). The mean age of infected migrants was 24.9 years (3 days-68 years). In addition, 177 community contacts were tested negative. Cases were cohorted in separate rooms from people tested negative. Surfaces were cleaned and disinfected daily. The implementation of measures for the containment of the outbreak was challenging due to language barriers and lack of space for cohorting. At that time, there was no official recommendation to the general population regarding the use of masks or other personal protective equipment. Extensive testing of vulnerable populations and building trust in order to report symptoms and comply with the recommendations are essential.
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