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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Feb 1992

Vol. 415 No. 8

Written Answers. - Brucellosis Victims.

Mervyn Taylor

Question:

121 Mr. Taylor asked the Minister for Health if he will outline, (1) the assessments which have been made on the extent to which people have been affected by brucellosis, (2) the number of people so affected, (3) the action which is being taken in the matter and (4) the steps which are being taken to assist victims of the disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

There is a requirement on all general practitioners to notify their local director of community care/medical officer of health (DCC/MOH) of all cases of brucellosis. The DCC/MOHs in turn notify my Department on a weekly basis of all cases reported to them.

The following is the number of such notifications received by my Department over the past three years.

Year

No. of cases

1991

22

1990

15

1989

20

Appropriate treatment for the disease is available free of charge if availed of through the local DCC/MOH. The main danger of contracting brucellosis comes from drinking unpasteurised milk and great care should be taken to ensure that all milk is pasteurised before it is consumed. Towards this end the Department liaises with local authorities to encourage the adoption of special designation orders which requires the compulsory pasteurisation of milk in their area.
Brucellosis is also classed as an occupational injury by the Department of Social Welfare and attracts a current payment of £15 per week in addition to the current disability benefit payment £50 per week for a single person.
The full range of health services is available to persons who suffer from this disease.
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