The surveillance of communicable disease in the European Community

This article summarises the existing international structures in Europe which collate data produced by surveillance systems in individual countries. The surveillance of influenza, tuberculosis, and other infections in Europe is undertaken by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the European Community (EC), and national and international organisations set up to study specific diseases. The surveillance of foodborne infections, rabies, travel-associated legionellosis and AIDS/HIV is undertaken by WHO collaborating centres or WHO/EC programmes. Research into immunisation and sexually transmitted diseases other than HIV is carried out through EC concerted action programmes. The Maastricht treaty, if ratified, may lead to changes in the way communicable disease surveillance is undertaken in the EC.