§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many infant deaths have resulted from the Echo 11 virus during 1978; what research is being undertaken on protection against
199Wthis virus; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleFourteen deaths have been reported from Echo type 11 virus in children aged 1 year and under during the period from 1st January to 20th October 1978. Echo 11 virus is only one of many types of entero-virus, infections from which are in most cases inapparent or result in only mild illness. Infection can, however, be severe in infants, and steps are taken to exclude such infection from units where babies are cared for. I am not aware of any research currently in progress into protection against this virus, but the communicable diseases surveillance centre of the Public Health Laboratory Service is studying closely the nature of the present outbreak.