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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 31 Mar 1981

Vol. 328 No. 3

Written Answers. - Waterford TB Incidence.

397.

asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of statements by the director of community care and the medical officer of health of the South Eastern Health Board regarding the substantial rise in the incidence of tuberculosis in people living in the city and county of Waterford; if he will make a statement on the incidence of this disease in the age groups of the population there; the reasons for the increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I have seen press reports of a statement attributed to the Director of Community Care and Medical Officer of Health for the Waterford Community Care Area.

The number of new cases of tuberculosis in Waterford during 1980, on an age-group basis, is as follows:

Age Group

Waterford City

Waterford County

Total

10-20

1

1

21-30

1

2

3

31-40

5

5

41-50

6

6

51-60

6

1

7

61-70

3

4

7

71-80

1

3

4

23

10

33

The number of new cases of the disease reported for the Waterford area since 1974 is as follows: 1974 — 25; 1975 — 25; 1976 — 19; 1977 — 26; 1978 — 19; 1979 — 24; 1980 — 33.

The incidence of the disease for the area has been relatively consistent over the last seven years. There have been fluctuations from time to time but these do not necessarily indicate an overall increase in the incidence of the disease.

As part of their overall functions relating to intectious diseases, including tuberculosis, my Department are examining the incidence of such diseases in the country. Any abnormal variation in the incidence of an infectious disease in a particular area will form part of that review.

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