[Present situation and control on emerging respiratory infectious diseases such as SARS and avian influenza]

Infectious diseases have been recognized again due to appearing of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in the world. Most of them occur not only in developing countries but also in developed countries, and in Asian region. The pathogen is mainly virus and most of them are suspected zoonotic origin. SARS emerged in the world abruptly and disappeared in 2003. We have had many lessons and learn on control measures, public health, economic impacts, human rights, international cooperation and infectious diseases. The outbreaks of avian influenza among fowls have been occurred since 2004, and some fatal human cases infected with avian influenza virus are detected in Viet Nam, Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia. Although the total number of human cases are still limited and human to human transmission mode is not yet detected, it has been concerned the possibility to shift new types of influenza for human as pandemic. It is necessary to recognize correctly on existing of infectious diseases, to enhance surveillance, to call partnerships among several sectors such as medical institutes, medical education institutes, research institutes and public health departments. Further, infectious disease control should tackle in global level.