Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reasons chickenpox is listed as a notifiable disease in Northern Ireland but not the rest of the UK.

Health is a devolved matter. The diseases which are listed as notifiable are outlined under the Health Protection (Notification) Regulations 2010 in England, and Public Health Act (Northern Ireland) 1967 in Northern Ireland. Both have been subject to subsequent amendments and orders.

In England, under the Health Protection (Notification) Regulations 2010, the addition of chickenpox was considered, however, it was not included. This is because a provision is in place requiring notification of any infectious diseases which may pose a significant risk to human health. This was deemed to cover exceptional cases where public health action would be needed.

The Department keeps the diseases which are notifiable in England under review.