Decline in T. B., other diseases

Press, 28 August 1984, Page 22

Decline in T. B., other diseases

PA Wellington The number of tuberculosis cases continued to decline last year, according to the Health Department’s annual report. A total of 244 cases were notified, compared with 280 the previous year, showing a slow but definite downward trend. “However, even this number of cases is a salutary reminder that tuberculosis is still a disease of importance,” the report, tabled today in Parliament, said. Maoris and Pacific Islanders continued to show higher rates of pulmonary tuberculosis than others. In 1983 those rates were four and seven times higher respectively, compared with four and nine times in 1982. Last year 104,322 people considered “at risk” of pulmonary tuberculosis were X-rayed and 25 cases found. The report said the overall number of cases of hepatitis had fallen over the last four years. In 1979, 2017 cases were notified; by 1983 it had dropped to 1265. There was, however, a steady increase in cases of hepatitis B. A vaccine was being introduced and the department was looking at its most cost-effective use. A micro-organism, called Campylobacter, which results in gastro-enteritis, was now the most commonly notified disease, the report said. Guidelines for its control, based on studies in this country and overseas, were being prepared. Cases of congenital rubella dropped from 25 in 1981, to one in 1982 and two

in 1983. This was to be expected because of the natural cycle of the disease. However, the routine monitoring of pregnant women indicated an increasing level' of rubella protection. Malaria continued to occur from people returning from malarious areas, with 43 cases reported in 1983, it said. Sexually transmitted viral infections, such as herpes and warts, continued to in-

crease, but the number of identified cases of gonorrhoea, syphilis, and nonspecific urethritis declined slightly, it said. The department said it was concerned about the young age at which sexually transmitted diseases were occurring and infertility in women, usually as a result of the infection. It continued to emphasises the danger of promiscuity and the importance of tracing contacts, it said.