Four soldiers of the Greek armed forces in Cyprus (Eldyk) were hospitalised on Wednesday at Nicosia general hospital after a meningitis case emerged within their base, with one soldier remaining intubated in intensive care.

The soldier diagnosed with meningitis is in stable condition, according to defence ministry spokesman Christos Pieris, who said doctors expect to extubate him on Thursday if his condition continues to improve.

Three other soldiers from the same unit were admitted to the special infections branch of the hospital after developing meningitis symptoms meningitis cases.

Pieris said the soldier in intensive care had recently suffered from tonsillitis despite being vaccinated, adding that “his immune system was not in very good condition.”

The defence ministry and Eldyk moved to implement precautionary health measures inside the military facility following the hospitalisations.

The measures include disinfecting shared spaces, replacing bed linens and administering preventive medication to personnel who may have been exposed.

Close contacts of the infected soldier were also instructed to wear masks for three days as a precaution.

“We are monitoring the situation very closely,” Pieris assured.

Meningitis is an inflammation affecting the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord and can spread more easily in communal living environments such as military barracks and dormitories.

Symptoms may include fever, severe headache, fatigue and neck stiffness, while serious cases can require intensive care treatment.