Bernard Allen
Question:109 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people who have died as a result of contracting meningococcal meningitis in the years 1990, 1998, 1999 and 2000. [9368/01]
Written Answers. - Meningitis Statistics.
Bernard Allen
Question:110 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people who have died from meningococcal meningitis in each of the health board areas in the years 1990, 1998, 1999 and 2000. [9369/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 110 together.
The number of deaths from meningococcal meningitis as provided to my Department by the health boards in each of the years 1998 to 2000 is as follows:
|
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
|
|
Eastern Regional Health Authority |
5 |
5 |
10 |
|
Midland Health Board |
2 |
1 |
2 |
|
Mid-Western Health Board |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
North-Eastern Health Board |
5 |
2 |
5 |
|
North-Western Health Board |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
South-Eastern Health Board |
0 |
1 |
2 |
|
Southern Health Board |
1 |
3 |
1 |
|
Western Health Board |
2 |
1 |
3 |
|
Total |
16 |
17 |
26 |
In respect of 1990 the health boards have indicated that data in relation to the number of deaths resulting from meningococcal meningitis is not available.
As the Deputy is aware, I launched phase 1 of the national immunisation programme aimed at the prevention of Group C meningitis on 20 October 2000. This phase of the campaign was aimed at those at greatest risk of contracting the disease – children under five years of age and young persons aged 15 to 18. This phase of the campaign is now almost complete and preliminary uptake information available from health boards is positive. Phase 2 of the campaign commenced recently and will target primary school children as a priority.