Infectious Disease Control
摘要
Approximately a century has passed since the enactment of the Infectious Diseases Prevention Act in 1897. During this period, advancements in medicine and health care, improvements in hygiene standards, and heightened public awareness of health and hygiene management have led to the elimination of infectious diseases. However, in Japan, outbreaks of pathogenic Escherichia coli O-157 infections, as well as emerging infectious diseases such as Ebola hemorrhagic fever abroad, and re-emerging infectious diseases, such as malaria, are posing new threats to humanity. The Act on the Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Medical Care for Patients with Infectious Diseases, hereinafter referred to as the Infectious Diseases Control Act, was enacted in 1998. The preamble of the Act reflects the fundamental principles of public health regulations.