§ Rev. Martin Smythasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the incidence of Reye's syndrome per head of population in Northern Ireland; and how this compares with the rest of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Chris PattenIn the year 1 August 1983 to 31 July 1984, 17 cases of Reye's syndrome on Northern Ireland were reported to the communicable disease surveillance centre under its voluntary reporting scheme. The estimated incidence based on these figures is four per 100,000 in children under 16 years; in England and Wales the estimated incidence is 0.5 per 100,000 children.
§ Rev. Martin Smythasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what information he has as to the causes associated with the occurrence of Reye's syndrome in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Chris PattenThe aetiology of Reye's syndrome is unknown, but it is thought to represent an abnormal reaction to a viral infection in a genetically susceptible host, possibly modified by exogenous toxins. Northern Ireland is participating in the Reye's syndrome surveillance scheme for the British Isles which is organised by the communicable disease surveillance centre in collaboration with the British Paediatric Association. The aims of the scheme and studies linked to it are to identify the factors associated with the condition.