Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to brief the House on several infectious diseases that have affected territorial residents during the past few months. I want to update Members on the status of these diseases.
The most serious outbreak was caused by an E-coli bacteria. E-coli can seriously affect the kidneys and, in some cases, other organs of the body. In the recent Keewatin outbreak, which lasted through the summer and into the fall, there were 166 confirmed cases. Most outbreaks of E- coli infection in southern Canada have been traced to a single infected food item. But in the Keewatin, no responsible food was identified, although the disease appeared to spread from person to person. Experts from the federal Laboratory Centre for Disease Control helped in this investigation and control of this illness. A review of this particular outbreak, which now seems to have run its course, is scheduled to take place in January.
Another notable infectious outbreak was caused by the measles virus. It also affected the Keewatin as well as the Baffin Region. Some cases of measles have also occurred elsewhere, and there are currently increasing numbers of affected persons in the Yellowknife area. Mr. Speaker, measles is an illness for which there have been vaccines since the 1960s. Before that, nearly all children got this illness while they were still young. When vaccines were introduced, it was thought that the infection could be wiped out, in the same way smallpox was eliminated. But that has not happened, probably because some people never received the vaccine, or they received one of the earlier types of vaccines that do not have a long-lasting effect.
Measles is highly infectious. It will continue to spread even if only a small number of people are not adequately vaccinated. As a result, territorial doctors and nurses are checking their records and urging people who were inadequately immunized to receive the newer vaccine. Many of those who need the newer vaccine are teenagers. The federal laboratory centre for disease control has also been studying this outbreak in the Northwest Territories, as well as similar outbreaks in Ontario and Quebec, in order to advise on better preventive measures.
Mr. Speaker, the AIDS virus continues to be a serious problem. Twelve cases have been reported, and there is still an urgent need for all community leaders to speak out about this fatal disease and to reinforce the individual message of last year's door-to-door campaign.
On the other hand, tuberculosis is an illness that is coming under better control. The number of identified infections this year is not very different from 1990. While vigilance and rapid intervention is still required, the number of infections has dropped from 56 active cases in 1988 to 22 last year.
Finally, one other infectious disease that has particularly affected territorial children, is haemophilus meningitis. New vaccines will soon be available, and arrangements are under way to provide them to territorial children early in 1992. It is expected the new vaccine will help to reduce the incidence of this disease.
Mr. Speaker, the control of other infectious illnesses depend on the care people take in what they do. One of these is botulism. Several cases of botulism were reported again this past summer. Teaching about the risk that results from preparing country food using plastic bags instead of using the old and safer ways of the elders will need to continue until this unnecessary illness and loss of lives is stopped.
In conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity to commend the efforts made by the staff of the Northwest Territories health system and others who have worked diligently in attempts to control the spread of these infectious diseases. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause
