Group B Streptococcus

EDM number 62 in 2012-13, proposed by Mark Durkan on 15/05/2012.
Categorised under the topic of Diseases.

That this House is concerned that the reported incidence of Group B streptococcus (GBS) infection in newborn babies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland increased by 32 per cent between 2003 and 2010; recognises that GBS is the most common cause of life-threatening infection in newborn babies in the UK; notes that without preventative action one in 1,000 newborn babies per year will develop GBS infection, of whom approximately 75 will die and 40 will survive with long-term problems; welcomes the current review of the benefits of a national screening programme being undertaken by the UK National Screening Committee; and further notes that where screening programmes have been introduced, including in the United States, Spain, Australia and France, reported cases of GBS infection in newborn babies have fallen by 86 per cent, 86 per cent, 82 per cent and 71 per cent respectively.

This motion has been signed by a total of 49 MPs.