andMr. Hogan asked the Minister for Health the incidence of viral hepatitis here; whether it is on the increase; and what part river pollution by sewage contamination plays in the disease.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Viral Hepatitis.
3.
The number of cases of viral or infectious hepatitis notified to my Department in respect of the year 1969 was 1,595. While this was the highest number of notifications recorded over the past ten years there have been significant fluctuations in notifications over this period. Consequently, it is not possible to state at this stage whether the increase for 1969 signifies the commencement of a continuing upward trend.
It is not clear how infectious hepatitis is transmitted. While it is generally agreed that occasional outbreaks may be food or water borne we have no evidence that cases of the disease have occurred in this country through river pollution by sewerage contamination.
Does the Department keep any figures?
We do have figures and Deputy Corish has already been given them.
Do they show any increase?
The figures fluctuate. There is some evidence of an increase all over Europe and nobody knows whether this is due to better notification or a greater incidence of the disease. Deaths occur largely in people over 65 years of age. Out of the 1,595 cases 25 people died here in 1969. A great deal of research is going on to see whether the virus can be ascertained and whether the virus can be countered. Injections of immunoglobin which act as a prophylactic agent are available free in this country. A circular has been issued to health authorities in that regard.