Seán Power
Ceist:99 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of reported cases of meningitis in each of the years from 1990 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9373/99]
Written Answers. - Meningitis Incidence.
The number of cases of meningitis notified to my Department in each of the years from 1990 to date is as follows:
|
Acute Viral Meningitis |
Bacterial Meningitis, including meningococcal septicaemia |
|
|
1990 |
300 |
131 |
|
1991 |
86 |
155 |
|
1992 |
104 |
225 |
|
1993 |
39 |
203 |
|
1994 |
90 |
241 |
|
1995 |
74 |
382 |
|
1996 |
77 |
410 |
|
1997 |
32 |
506 |
|
1998 |
32 |
486 |
|
1999 |
1 |
167 |
There are two forms of meningitis – bacterial and viral. Bacterial meningitis is the more serious form of the disease. The occurrence of meningococcal infection is cyclical in nature and an increase in incidence may occur periodically without apparent reason, persist for a number of years and then begin to fall again towards previous lower levels.
The Working Group on Bacterial Meningitis and Related Conditions was established by my Department in 1996 to examine the incidence of bacterial meningitis and related conditions, and to make recommendations with a view to strengthening the surveillance and control of these conditions. The group reported in 1997 and its report was circulated to all relevant agencies in the health service. The group has remained in existence and will shortly complete an evaluation of the implementation of the recommendations in its 1997 report.