The Public Health Agency (PHA) is aware of the current situation following a confirmed case of Ebola being diagnosed in Glasgow. The Public Health Agency is continuing to work with Health and Social Care and department colleagues in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK to ensure we are prepared for the risk of Ebola. Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a rare but severe disease caused by the Ebola virus.

With the holiday season in full swing, minds will soon be turning to New Year’s resolutions, and once again quitting smoking will be at the top of many people’s ‘to-do’ list when the clock strikes midnight on 31 December. With this in mind, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging smokers to make a plan, think about what steps they are going to take to stay off tobacco for good, and to seek practical support and advice from a free ‘Stop Smoking Service’.

In the run up to Christmas the Public Health Agency (PHA) is warning that the misuse of any drugs which have not been prescribed to you can result in death or permanent damage to your health. During the festive period when many people will be socialising, the PHA is reminding people to think about the dangers that drugs pose to health and life. Owen O’Neill, the PHA’s Lead on Alcohol and Drugs, said: “Misusing drugs which have not been prescribed for you can cause serious damage to your health or even death.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging all first year university students who haven’t yet had their meningococcal C vaccine – better known as MenC, to get it as soon as possible. MenC protects against infection by meningococcal group C bacteria, which can cause two very serious illnesses, meningitis and septicaemia that occur mainly in young children and young adults.

In the lead up to Christmas the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging parents and carers not to buy their children laser pointers as presents as they are not toys, with several children in Northern Ireland having received eye damage over recent months caused by the devices.

The Christmas party season is just getting started and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to be mindful of their alcohol intake at this time. People across Northern Ireland are looking forward to celebrating with nights out with family, friends and work colleagues, but if you choose to drink it’s easy to lose track of how much alcohol you are consuming.