The National Organization for Public Health (EODY) and the health authorities of Crete are on alert due to the rising cases of viral gastroenteritis in Chania. As of yesterday, over 100 cases of gastroenteritis caused by norovirus had been detected, with the number expected to increase further. The rapid spread of the virus is believed to be the primary cause, though results from water quality tests are still awaited to rule out potential sources of transmission.

The first patient arrived at the Emergency Department of Agios Georgios Hospital in Chania last Monday. Since then, more than 100 cases of viral gastroenteritis have been diagnosed, according to ygeiamou.gr. All patients so far are young individuals, many of whom are students from the Technical University of Crete. On Tuesday, the university took preventive action by temporarily closing its dormitory, and providing students with take-away meals.