Contingency Plans For Smallpox in Northern Ireland

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 that smallpox can be dealt with should it re-emerge.

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. Based on the Memorandum on the Control of Outbreaks of Smallpox (1975) and in line with current World Health Organisation advice, it recommends a “search and contain” strategy.

Action has been taken to substantially increase stocks of smallpox vaccine and a procurement exercise has begun, to add to these stocks.

Following the worldwide eradication of smallpox in 1980, many healthcare professionals and the general public will be unfamiliar with this transmissible 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 spread of disease.

Key elements of the plan are:

Twelve Smallpox Management and Response Teams are being established around the UK, comprising specialists to respond to and manage the initial stages of a smallpox incident. One of these teams will be established in Northern Ireland.

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.

Wider vaccination is not recommended as in the absence of a specific threat, the side effects outweigh the advantages. Vaccination of the teams is voluntary and they are being carefully screened for contra-indications such as immunodeficiency, history of eczema or pregnancy.

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: 02890522049

Or email: naresh.chada@dhsspsni.gov.uk