Local notification of infectious diseases--a neglected tool

A country-wide survey of consultants in communicable disease control (CCDCs) was conducted to assess the use of Section 16 of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act, 1984 for the local notification of infectious diseases. A response rate of 84% was achieved. The results indicate that, although the power is generally little used, 24 local authorities have locally notifiable diseases and at least eight CCDCs are actively considering the use of Section 16. The power may be particularly valuable as an additional tool in the surveillance of 'clinically diagnosed' and locally troublesome infections such as scabies.