§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of MRSA have been reported in the last(a) six months and (b) year; and what new plans he has to combat this disease. [75567]
§ Mr. Lammy[holding answer 21 October 2002]: The most recent data available from the mandatory surveillance system are up to June 2002. The total number of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia reports in England received during from January to June 2002 and July 2001 to June 2002 are shown in the table.
No of MRSA bacteraemia reports (a) Jan 2002–June 2002 3525 (b)July 2001–June 2002 7203 Source:
Public Health Laboratory Service
I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 15 Apr 2002, Official Report, column 790W, which set out the main policy initiatives. The Chief Medical Officer's infectious disease strategy, Getting Ahead of the Curve, identified healthcare associated infection and antimicrobial resistance as priority areas and new targeted action plans to address both areas are currently being developed.