The Public Health Agency (PHA) is advising women who are, or think they may be pregnant, to reduce their risk of miscarriage and infection by avoiding close contact with sheep during lambing season, which runs until approximately April.

This Valentines Day, Tuesday14 February, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone in Northern Ireland to have a heart and save lives by signing the NHS Organ Donor Register. The number of people in Northern Ireland signing up to the NHS Organ Donor Register is steadily increasing; however there are still not enough organs available for transplant. Just over one in four in Northern Ireland is registered as potential organ donors.

The total number of pseudomonas cases and colonisations notified to the Public Health Agency (PHA) today (12th February) are as follows: Total number of confirmed pseudomonas infections associated with the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital (RJM) outbreak: seven (in RJM). Number of babies currently in neonatal units who have confirmed pseudomonas colonisations and are associated with the RJM outbreak: six (in RJM). Number of other babies currently in neonatal units who have confirmed pseudomonas colonisations: five (in Altnagelvin, Craigavon and Antrim). ENDS

The total number of pseudomonas cases and colonisations notified to the Public Health Agency (PHA) today (11th February) are as follows: Total number of confirmed pseudomonas infections associated with the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital (RJM) outbreak: seven (in RJM). Number of babies currently in neonatal units who have confirmed pseudomonas colonisations and are associated with the RJM outbreak: six (in RJM).

The total number of pseudomonas cases and colonisations notified to the Public Health Agency (PHA) today (10th February) are as follows: Total number of confirmed pseudomonas infections associated with the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital (RJM) outbreak: seven (in RJM). Number of babies currently in neonatal units who have confirmed pseudomonas colonisations and are associated with the RJM outbreak: six (in RJM). Number of other babies currently in neonatal units who have confirmed pseudomonas colonisations: five (in Altnagelvin, Craigavon and Antrim).

The total number of pseudomonas cases and colonisations notified to the Public Health Agency (PHA) today (9th February) are as follows: Total number of confirmed pseudomonas infections associated with the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital (RJM) outbreak: seven (in RJM). Number of babies currently in neonatal units who have confirmed pseudomonas colonisations and are associated with the RJM outbreak: six (in RJM). Number of other babies currently in neonatal units who have confirmed pseudomonas colonisations: five (in Altnagelvin, Craigavon and Antrim).

The total number of pseudomonas cases and colonisations notified to the Public Health Agency (PHA) today (8th February) are as follows: Total number of confirmed pseudomonas infections associated with the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital (RJM) outbreak: seven (in RJM). Number of babies currently in neonatal units who have confirmed pseudomonas colonisations and are associated with the RJM outbreak: six (in RJM). Number of other babies currently in neonatal units who have confirmed pseudomonas colonisations: five (in Altnagelvin, Craigavon and Antrim).

As a precautionary measure, a water sampling and tap replacement programme is underway in all neonatal units in Northern Ireland. PHA is publishing water sample results for all Trusts as and when confirmed.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, and with it Northern Ireland’s Sexual Health Awareness week, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is asking us to think smart AND think romance. Taking care of yourself and the one you love is a theme that the Agency wants everyone to adopt. The Agency is asking everyone who is sexually active to protect their sexual health by being safe, and getting tested if they have put themselves at risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

The total number of pseudomonas cases and colonisations notified to the Public Health Agency (PHA) today (7th February) are as follows: Total number of confirmed pseudomonas infections associated with the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital (RJM) outbreak: seven (in RJM). Number of babies currently in neonatal units who have confirmed pseudomonas colonisations and are associated with the RJM outbreak: six (in RJM). Number of other babies currently in neonatal units who have confirmed pseudomonas colonisations: five (in Altnagelvin, Craigavon and Antrim).