asked the Minister for Health the number of cases of infectious hepatitis reported in 1978, 1980, 1981 and 1982; the studies that have taken place; and the steps that have been taken to reduce the incidence of this disease.
Written Answers. - Infectious Hepatitis.
460.
The number of cases of infectious hepatitis notified to the Department of Health under the infectious diseases regulations, was as follows: 1978, 524; 1979, 419; 1980, 512; 1981, 840; 1982, 1276.
There are two major forms of the disease — hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Hepatitis A is usually associated with poor hygienic practice and may be spread from person to person or by infected food or water. Hepatitis B is caused by infected needles or syringes and is usually contracted by drug abusers.
A number of studies have been conducted regarding infectious hepatitis, the most recent of which relate to hepatitis B in drug abusers. These studies show that there is a high incidence of hepatitis B amongst drug abusers and that there is a transmission of the disease from drug abusers to their contacts (mainly sexual) and indirectly to others.
The Government are currently tackling the problem of drug abuse and, indirectly, the spread of hepatitis B, by implementing the measures recommended by the Special Governmental Task Force on Drug Abuse. A feature of this is the provision of beds for drug induced hepatitis at Cherry Orchard Hospital to ensure that such cases are effectively treated. In addition, a vaccine is available for persons who are at high risk of contracting hepatitis B because of their occupation.
The health boards, as part of their functions relevant to the control of infectious diseases, routinely implement measures under the Infectious Diseases Regulations, 1981, and the Food Hygiene Regulations, 1950, to prevent and control the spread of hepatitis A. The directors of community care and medical officers of health were asked in March 1982 to take particular steps with regard to hepatitis A in their areas.