Investigation of an outbreak of Salmonella enterica serovar Newport infection.

A large outbreak of Salmonella enterica serotype Newport infection occurred in Northern Ireland during September and October 2004. Typing of isolates from patients confirmed that this strain was indistinguishable from that in concurrent outbreaks in regions of England, in Scotland and in the Isle of Man. A total of 130 cases were distributed unequally across local government district areas in Northern Ireland.

Risk factors for sporadic Campylobacter infection: an all-Ireland case-control study.

We report the findings of the first case-control study conducted in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to determine risk factors for sporadic Campylobacter infections. A total of 197 cases and 296 case-nominated controls matched for age, were included. Based on Population Attributable Fraction (PAF), the most important risk factors were consuming chicken [adjusted matched (am) OR 6.

Mumps outbreak among young people in Northern Ireland.

An outbreak of mumps occurred in the Mid-Ulster area of Northern Ireland between 1st November 1999 and 31st August 2000, with 729 cases notified. Salivary test results were obtained for 430 (59%) reported cases, of which 332 (77%) were positive for mumps IgM antibody. Three hundred and sixteen (95.

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccination and uptake predictors in Northern Ireland.

In order to study selected factors affecting the uptake of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine a case control study was undertaken in residents of the Southern Health and Social Services Board in Northern Ireland. Standard data from the child health computer system were used. Residents in the catchment area of the health board born between 1 January and 30 June 1993 were defined as cases (unvaccinated) and controls (vaccinated).

Vaccine efficacy in a measles immunisation programme.

During a measles outbreak in Northern Ireland (between October 1988 and March 1989) it was noted that a proportion of cases had occurred in children who had previously been vaccinated against measles. A study was, therefore, set up to provide a rapid estimate of vaccine efficacy. Vaccine efficacy was calculated to be 94% (95% confidence limits, 91% to 96%).

Measles in the Southern Health Board--implications for resources.

During a recent epidemic of measles in the Southern Health and Social Services Board in Northern Ireland it became apparent that the level of notifications of measles by general practitioners did not reflect the true incidence of the disease at that time. In trying to establish a more accurate measure of the incidence of measles it became clear that much money and manpower had been used to treat this outbreak. We tried to cost a defined period covering 1 January to 30 June 1983 to draw attention to the possible benefits of a more effective measles vaccination programme in preventing disease and saving resources.

Possible method of identifying spotter practices in a health board in Northern Ireland.

We examined the notification of infectious diseases, including measles, by general practitioners over 18 months, which included a measles epidemic in the area covered by the Southern Health and Social Services Board in Northern Ireland. Of the 156 general practitioners who provided services in the area, 27 (17.3%) had a pattern of notification which might render them acceptable as "spotter" practices, a system which at present does not exist in Northern Ireland, although it is used in the rest of the United Kingdom.