Smallpox planning

Currently there is no evidence of a specific or immediate threat of smallpox to Northern Ireland.  However, as the public health consequences would be severe, it is essential that contingency planning has been done so smallpox can be dealt with should it re-emerge.

Following the worldwide eradication of smallpox in 1980, many healthcare professionals and the general public will be unfamiliar with this transmissable disease.  In addition, immunity in the population will not have been maintained, and early detection and a rapid public health response, will be vital to control the spread of the disease.

There are three components to the range of measures taken for the response to a possible smallpox emergency:

An updated smallpox plan for the UK was published in December 2003.  This outlines the strategies and approaches that would guide UK wide and local responses to a smallpox emergency.

Key elements of planning for smallpox include

Isolation of cases and effective identification, tracing, vaccination and monitoring of contacts is essential to prevent the spread of infection.  Any delay in intervention is likely to have a significant impact on the scale of the outbreak.  Procedures for management of cases and contacts are summarised in the plan.

Action has been taken to secure the stocks of smallpox vaccine.  Wider vaccination is not recommended in the absence of a specific threat as the side effects outweigh the advantages.

These plans are a practical precaution designed to ensure the UK is prepared for any possible smallpox emergency and will be kept under active review.

Contact: Dr Naresh Chada,
Room C3.7,
Castle Buildings,
Stormont,
Belfast,
Tel: 02890 522049
or email: naresh.chada@dhsspsni.gov.uk