§ Mr. Ian TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 10 December 2001,Official Report, column 715W, on smallpox, what contracts he has entered into in the last six months for the supply of anti-smallpox drugs. [34817]
§ Mr. HuttonAnti-viral drugs have been shown in laboratory studies to be effective in treating infections caused by viruses similar to smallpox. However, in practice, patients on anti-virus therapy require intensive monitoring and additional treatment to minimise potentially severe side-effects and need to be in hospital. Anti- viral drugs would therefore, be difficult to administer on a large scale. Because of this, no contracts have been entered into in the last six months for the supply of these anti-smallpox drugs.
Vaccination is effective in preventing the disease. The Department has a strategic stock of vaccine for use in an outbreak. Information about the size and location of these stocks is not being put in the public domain, as this is information that might be of use to terrorists.