The Public Health Agency (PHA) is advising parents and carers to be aware of the symptoms of scarlet fever following an increase in the number of cases at schools and nurseries across Northern Ireland. The PHA has seen an increase in notifications of scarlet fever which is above the levels we usually see at this time of year. This follows two years during the pandemic when notifications were lower than usual. Other parts of the UK have also reported increases. Clusters of scarlet fever have been reported at schools and nurseries in Antrim, Belfast, Bangor and Craigavon. Scarlet fever is a

A new report from the Public Health Agency (PHA) shows that there are 1,325 people in Northern Ireland living with HIV. The ‘HIV surveillance in Northern Ireland 2022’ report also shows that 76 new cases of HIV were diagnosed here in 2021, a 12% increase from 68 in 2020. Ahead of World AIDS Day (1 December) the PHA is encouraging everyone to practise safer sex and get tested early if they have put themselves at risk. Dr Gillian Armstrong, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said: “HIV/AIDS is a viral infection caused by type 1 and type 2 HIV retroviruses. It can be transmitted through

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is calling on informal carers to come forward for vaccination against flu and COVID-19 ahead of the winter. For carers, getting vaccinated gives better protection against severe illness and hospitalisation, meaning that they are better able to continue providing the vital care that is required of them over the winter. Dr Brid Farrell, Deputy Director of Public Health at the PHA, is urging carers to get ready for winter by taking up the offer of free vaccination. “Eligible at-risk people know the importance of getting their winter vaccinations to help protect

The future of antibiotics depends on all of us using them properly, so during of World Antibiotics Awareness Week (18-24 November) the Public Health Agency (PHA) has joined with the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Veterinary Officer in asking everyone to help prevent antimicrobial resistance. CMO Professor Sir Michael McBride said: “Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious and growing global public health concern. The use of antibiotics is essential for saving lives, and without effective antibiotics, even minor surgery and routine operations could become high risk procedures due to the

Community, voluntary and statutory organisations are launching new resources to raise awareness of suicide prevention and bereavement services across Belfast. The launch event for a new information leaflet and video is being organised by Belfast Protect Life Implementation Group (BPLIG) which is funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA). It is open to the public and will take place on Tuesday 22 November at Belfast City Hall, at 12 noon. The new leaflet will mean anyone who needs to access services for suicide and bereavement will have all the information in one place. The new video highlights

This year it is recommend that pregnant women receive the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 autumn booster. As respiratory winter illnesses are starting to circulate, making the decision about getting vaccinated is more important than ever. Reading up about the vaccines through reliable sources such as the NHS or speaking to a healthcare provider will eliminate some of the worry you may be feeling, mum of three Naomh explains. “These last couple of years have been unprecedented. I for one never thought I would experience such a pandemic in my lifetime never mind negotiate the added worries of

The latest sexual health figures released today by the Public Health Agency (PHA) show an overall increase in both testing and diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Northern Ireland. In 2021, there was a 47% increase in the overall number of STI tests carried out compared with before the pandemic in 2019. This is due to a significant increase in home STI testing, commissioned by the health service. Ten percent of home tests were positive, and this positivity rate has not fallen with the increased testing, which would suggest that people are being tested appropriately and