Batt O'Keeffe
Ceist:63 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health his views on the high incidence of meningitis; and if he will report on the incidences of meningitis in each of the health boards over the last two years. [7720/96]
Written Answers. - Incidence of Meningitis.
, Limerick East): The number of cases of bacterial meningitis, including meningococcal septicaemia, and acute cases of viral meningitis reported to the Department in each of the years 1994 and 1995 and to date this year is as follows:
|
Health Board |
1994 |
1995 |
1996 |
|||
|
Bacterial |
Acute Viral |
Bacterial |
Acute Viral |
Bacterial |
Acute Viral |
|
|
Eastern |
79 |
21 |
166 |
19 |
51 |
7 |
|
Midland |
15 |
3 |
20 |
2 |
13 |
1 |
|
Mid-Western |
9 |
23 |
21 |
37 |
9 |
4 |
|
North-Eastern |
25 |
2 |
28 |
2 |
15 |
2 |
|
North-Western |
8 |
8 |
5 |
9 |
9 |
0 |
|
Southern |
61 |
3 |
96 |
1 |
16 |
2 |
|
South-Eastern |
23 |
27 |
30 |
2 |
9 |
0 |
|
Western |
21 |
3 |
16 |
2 |
5 |
1 |
|
Total |
241 |
90 |
382 |
74 |
127 |
17 |
The increase in the number of cases of bacterial meningitis reported in recent years is almost certainly composed of two elements i.e. an actual increase in the community and more efficient reporting. The actual increase is a reflection of the unpredictable nature of bacterial meningitis and meningococcal infection which can increase, sometimes significantly so, without apparent reason. The greater propensity to report brings with it the possibility of over-reporting of cases, i.e. cases are reported as bacterial meningitis, but following thorough hospital investigation, another diagnosis is made, usually viral meningitis.
An expert group has been established to examine ways to further strengthen the diagnostic, surveillance and preventive aspects of our approach to bacterial meningitis and related conditions.