A highly attended public health seminar titled “Emergency Events – Outbreaks of Waterborne and Foodborne Diseases” was held at the Kastellaki Hall of the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce, on  March 11, 2025m drawing strong participation from professionals and workers across the food service, hospitality, catering, and social care sectors. The event was organized by the Department of Public Health of the Prefecture of Crete. 

This educational activity brought together key public health experts, researchers, and regional leaders to discuss effective strategies for addressing recent outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness, with a focus on norovirus—a leading cause of gastroenteritis. 

Among the speakers were: 

• Dr. Kyriaki Tryfinopoulou, Assistant Professor of Clinical Microbiology at the University of Crete and Deputy Scientific Director of the Regional Public Health Laboratory of Crete (PEDY), 

• Dr. Katerina Tsilipounidaki, Biochemist and researcher at PEDY, 

• Dr. Antonis Papadakis, Public Health Inspector and Director of Public Health for the Region of Crete, and President of the Panhellenic Association of Public Health Inspectors, 

• Dr. Angie Kolokousi, Biologist at the Foundation for Research and Technology–Hellas (FORTH). 

The participants got information on clear and actionable methods for the prevention and control of norovirus infections, emphasizing the importance of preparedness across all sectors in contact with the public.