§ Mr. David ShawTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the three recent cases of meningitis in the Dover area and the risk to health in the area.
§ Mr. SackvilleThree cases of meningococcal meningitis-septicaemia were diagnosed in the Dover area from 28 December to 9 January. Each case was reported to and investigated by the consultant in communicable disease control at East Kent health authority. Immediate detailed tracing action was carried out and all those people who were contacts were given prophylactic treatment. Further preventative treatment was arranged via the local general practitioners.
There is no evidence of increased reporting of cases and there is no evidence of an outbreak. There are no known links between these cases. It is not unusual for three cases to occur within a short period of time, especially durirg winter months.