The aseptic meningitis cases first appeared sporadically in May 1994. The more recent isolates are associated with echovirus type 9 which appear to be responsible for a number of small outbreaks. Infection in Ireland usually occurs each winter and laboratory reports of RSV have only recently begun to increase in a pattern similar to last season. There have been no isolations of influenza virus in this laboratory so far this season. One parainfluenza type 1 was detected in the first week of November 1994.
Mycoplasma levels remain similar to last season.
In the UK influenza activity remains low despite indications of high levels of acute respiratory illness in the community. This strain is included in the current influenza vaccine.