Hse agrees probe into gbs cluster

The HSE has agreed to carry out an investigation into possible causes of a cluster of Guillian Barre Syndrome (CBS) cases in the Duleek area.
In a significant development in the case which has been causing deep concern in the Duleek area, the HSE will be meeting with individual patients in the near future to progress that investigation.
The HSE agreed at a meeting last week with members of local environmental groups, to look at possible causes for the apparent clustering of cases of the very rare and sometimes life-threatening disease.
However, a HSE spokesperson has pointed out that medical literature tends to link cases of the disease to previous infections, a vaccination or surgery.
Four people living within a quarter of a mile radius of each other have had confirmed cases of the disease, while according to local campaigners there are a further two yet to be confirmed.
A further case has been diagnosed a short distance away in Morningon and another in Ardee.
The meeting between the HSE and the Louth Meath Health Protection Group and the Drogheda Health Protection Group focussed on the concerns by the local groups that the cases of GBS were related to environmental issues in the area.
Following the meeting, the HSE confirmed it would follow up on these cases to look at possible causes for this apparent clustering of cases.
A spokesperson said they would be meeting with the individual patients in the near future to progress that investigation.
“HSE Public Health stressed the fact that literature links a majority of confirmed cases of GBS to a previous episode of  infection, a vaccination or a surgical intervention,” she pointed out.
Pat O’Brien of the Louth Meath Health Protection Group said they were happy with the outcome of the meeting with the HSE and he hoped that there would now be a thorough investigation.