Greek health officials are monitoring a surge in group A streptococcus (strep A) infections reported in several regions, prompting the temporary closure of some schools on Monday as a precautionary response.

New cases of the bacterial infection have emerged in educational institutions located in Kalamaria and Oraiokastro—both in the greater Thessaloniki area—as well as in Serres, Crete, and Attica, according to local authorities.

In response, the National Public Health Organization (EODY) has released updated guidance emphasizing preventive hygiene and the need for rational public health measures.

Strep A, a common yet potentially serious infection, is primarily spread via respiratory droplets from symptomatic individuals. It can also be transmitted through direct contact with infected skin lesions or contaminated surfaces, although experts note that individuals exhibiting symptoms are far more infectious than asymptomatic carriers.

To curb further spread, EODY recommends frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with those exhibiting symptoms, ensuring adequate ventilation in classrooms, regular cleaning of shared surfaces, and at-home isolation of confirmed cases for at least 24 hours after the initiation of antibiotic treatment.

Despite the rising number of cases and local concern, EODY President Christos Hatzichristodoulou advised against school closures and mass disinfection efforts, warning that such measures are ineffective and may lead to unnecessary alarm.

“It’s understandable that municipalities and parents want to protect children, but these actions may not help—and could even do harm,” Hatzichristodoulou said in an interview with state broadcaster ERT. “Schools should remain open, and surface disinfections offer no real benefit in this case.”

He further clarified that, unlike viral pathogens such as COVID-19, the strep A bacterium does not survive long outside the human body. “This bacterium needs a human host. It doesn’t persist in the environment,” he said.

Health officials are calling for calm, urging communities to focus on basic hygiene practices. Children diagnosed with strep A should remain at home for at least 24 hours after beginning antibiotic treatment to avoid further transmission.

As the situation develops, EODY continues to coordinate with local authorities to monitor infection trends and provide timely updates to the public. (ILKHA)