Infection control in public health: a new perspective

As public health continues to meet the challenges of old and new health risks, the practice of infection control will be an integral part of its services. The public health infection control program should include effective policies and procedures, in-service programs and implementation, and systems of surveillance specific to each department. Public health personnel must place emphasis on the practice of infection control in the community setting. The ICP who accepts this challenge will be in the forefront of infection control in public health. Infection control is a respected part of the hospital setting and now is the time for the ICP to tailor this program to the public health delivery system.