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03/10/2001
Meningitis C immunisation scheme success
Figures released by the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (CDSC) this week show a dramatic decrease in the number of cases of meningitis C in Northern Ireland this year.
Between 1 January and 30 June 2001, there were only four confirmed cases of meningitis C here, compared with 32 cases for the same period in the previous year.
Commenting on the figures, Dr Brian Smyth, from CDSC, said: “These figures clearly show a dramatic reduction in the number of cases of group C meningococcal infection since the commencement of the Meningitis C immunisation campaign. There has been an almost 90 per cent reduction in the incidence of serogroup C in all age groups between the first six months of 2000 and the same period in 2001.
“Of particular note is the fact that there have been no cases of Group C meningococcal infection in children under two years of age during January to June this year. However the Group B now accounts for a greater proportion of meningitis cases, accounting for almost three quarters of the total confirmed cases of meningitis this year.”
Welcoming the news, Dr Lorraine Doherty, Senior Medical Officer at the DHSSPS, said: “The Department is delighted to see that Meningitis C immunisation, which we introduced at the end of 1999, has led to such a large reduction in cases of this serious infection. Many thanks are due to the doctors and nurses and, in particular, the school health service who delivered this campaign.
“However, it is important not to be complacent. Cases of meningitis, due to strains other than meningococcus C, will continue to occur and, as we enter the winter months, when meningitis is traditionally more common, there is a need for widespread vigilance.”
Cases of meningitis will continue to be monitored by CDSC using the Enhanced Surveillance of Meningococcal Disease programme. Meningitis C vaccine is offered to all children as part of routine immunisations at two, three and four months. In addition, over the last year, it has been offered to children of school going age and 16 and 17 year olds not in school. Any child in these age groups who has not yet been immunised should avail of immunisation as soon as possible. (AMcE)
Between 1 January and 30 June 2001, there were only four confirmed cases of meningitis C here, compared with 32 cases for the same period in the previous year.
Commenting on the figures, Dr Brian Smyth, from CDSC, said: “These figures clearly show a dramatic reduction in the number of cases of group C meningococcal infection since the commencement of the Meningitis C immunisation campaign. There has been an almost 90 per cent reduction in the incidence of serogroup C in all age groups between the first six months of 2000 and the same period in 2001.
“Of particular note is the fact that there have been no cases of Group C meningococcal infection in children under two years of age during January to June this year. However the Group B now accounts for a greater proportion of meningitis cases, accounting for almost three quarters of the total confirmed cases of meningitis this year.”
Welcoming the news, Dr Lorraine Doherty, Senior Medical Officer at the DHSSPS, said: “The Department is delighted to see that Meningitis C immunisation, which we introduced at the end of 1999, has led to such a large reduction in cases of this serious infection. Many thanks are due to the doctors and nurses and, in particular, the school health service who delivered this campaign.
“However, it is important not to be complacent. Cases of meningitis, due to strains other than meningococcus C, will continue to occur and, as we enter the winter months, when meningitis is traditionally more common, there is a need for widespread vigilance.”
Cases of meningitis will continue to be monitored by CDSC using the Enhanced Surveillance of Meningococcal Disease programme. Meningitis C vaccine is offered to all children as part of routine immunisations at two, three and four months. In addition, over the last year, it has been offered to children of school going age and 16 and 17 year olds not in school. Any child in these age groups who has not yet been immunised should avail of immunisation as soon as possible. (AMcE)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
