§ Mr. Thompsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the numbers of cases of schistosomiasis, hookworm, onchocerciasis, other forms of filariasis and other parasitic worm infections known to have been diagnosed in Scotland in each of the past 10 years.
§ Mr. Harry EwingThese are not notifiable diseases and the only information available is about patients treated in hospital. Figures of patients discharged from Scottish hospitals in each of the years 1967–1975 (the only years available) are as follows:
if he is satisfied that these facilities are adequate.
§ Mr. Harry EwingI am satisfied that facilities in Scotland are appropriate to the relatively low level of need. I have received no complaints or representations.
The diagnosis and treatment of tropical diseases are the responsibility of the consultants in communicable disease, or of 183W ophthalmology or dermatology, as appropriate, and a United Kingdom network of laboratory facilities exists to assist diagnosis. Special facilities for the isolation and treatment of high-risk infections are available at two hospitals in Scotland. The special experience and facilities of the London and Liverpool Schools of Tropical Medicine can also be called on as necessary. My Department participates in regular symposia to disseminate information on the latest developments in communicable disease and from time to time issues guidance alerting those concerned to particular new risks from non-endemic diseases—for example, Lassa fever.
In addition, my Department issues guidance to intending travellers on health precautions they should take while abroad and on symptoms which should he reported to a doctor on return.