Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 1997

Vol. 480 No. 6

Written Answers - Mumps Incidence.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

257 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to a major increase in reported mumps cases; his views on whether this is directly related to an increase in the number of children who have not received appropriate immunisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14364/97]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen):

There has been no significant increase in the incidence of mumps reported to my Department in 1997. The figures to 19 September show that 244 cases were reported, compared to 236 for the corresponding period in 1996. Since the beginning of 1997 the monthly number of reported cases has fallen from 63 cases in January to nine in August.