§ Mr. Geraint HowellsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he is taking to prevent, contain and treat outbreaks of meningitis in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GristFacilities for treating patients with meningitis exist in all district general hospitals and there are well-established procedures for contact tracing and the provision of prophylactic antibiotic treatment. In addition to advice that the Chief Medical Officer issued in June 1987, the consultant regional epidemiologist has reviewed the literature and has recently provided detailed professional guidance to all specialists in community medicine in Wales. Further professional guidance will be issued shortly.
Speed of treatment is crucial in dealing with cases of meningococcol meningitis and this can be a major determinant of the outcome. It is important, therefore, that the symptoms and signs are known to all and, the Department will be making available urgently supplies of a suitable information leaflet.