OUTREACH

The Region of Crete, within the framework of actions related to Public Health, is organizing an information event on the topic: “Emergency events – outbreaks of waterborne – foodborne diseases: Tools, practices and protocols”.
The intervention specifically concerns the protection of the population from the outbreak of gastroenteritis cases as well as the chronic problems of foodborne and waterborne diseases.

The event will take place on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 11:00 in the “Kastellaki” hall of the Heraklion Chamber, while corresponding ones will follow in each Regional Unit.

It is important to inform those involved in tourism and catering about the immediate and proper management/treatment of these cases.

Detailed program of the conference:

11:00-11:15
Registration – Greetings

11:15 -11:45
“Confluence of gastroenteritis cases: Recommendations for effective treatment and basic steps for its investigation”
Kyriaki Tryfinopoulou, Doctor of Public Health Biopathologist-Microbiologist, Deputy Scientific Manager of PEDY of Crete, Assistant Professor of Clinical Microbiology, Medical School, University of Crete

11:45 -12:15
“Norovirus: The “gastroenteritis virus” from the source to the laboratory”
Aikaterini Tsilipounidaki, Dr. Biochemistry, Regional Laboratory of Public Health of Crete

12:15 -12:45
“Special protocols for environmental cleaning-disinfection in outbreaks cases”
Antonios Papadakis, Dr. Hygienist – Public Health Supervisor, Director of Public Health of the Region of Crete, President of the Panhellenic Association of Public Health Supervisors

12:45-13:30
“Field Diagnosis by the End User”
Antzy Kolokoussi, PhD, Head of DxHub Coordination team, IMBB, FORTH

Questions – Discussion

Discussion Topics:

The importance of a strong Public Health Task Force for the effective management of epidemics.
Strategies for community engagement to promote awareness and cooperation during an infectious disease crisis.
The effectiveness of emergency communication plans for the public to be informed during an epidemic.
Surveillance systems that can detect outbreaks early, allowing for faster response and containment measures – the importance of early detection through surveillance systems for effective identification and monitoring of pathogen outbreaks.

These tools and practices include enhanced surveillance systems, rapid diagnostic tests, and effective communication strategies to inform the public.