Meningitis case confirmed in an Aristotle University of Thessaloniki student

A 19-year-old student from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) has been diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis. The student reported initial symptoms of high fever and headache on April 4, and was admitted to the Trikala General Hospital emergency department on April 5 presenting with neck stiffness and a diminished level of consciousness. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of meningococcus, and the case was reported to the National Public Health Organization (EODY). The patient remains intubated in an intensive care unit, where his condition is currently reported as stable and gradually improving. The university's Health Committee noted that almost 10 days had passed since the student's last presence on campus, which helped limit potential exposure. EODY has completed contact tracing and initiated a 10-day prophylactic antimicrobial treatment for identified contacts. University officials highlighted that the timing of the diagnosis coincided with the start of the Easter holiday, which reduced further crowding on campus. The Health Committee has officially recommended increased vaccination coverage to protect the academic community from future risks.