[Infectious diseases from the hygienic viewpoint with special reference to environmental infections--a retrospective and prospective view].

Infectious diseases showed a considerable change in their epidemiologic significance during this century. Twenty years ago it seemed that infectious diseases would be definity under control. As a result there was a neglect of the efforts for prevention, recognition and controlling of infectious diseases, especially in the administration. Today we have to state that old and new infectious diseases have regained a new and partly dramatic epidemiologic importance, influenced by several factors like overpopulation, wars, hunger, migration in the underdeveloped countries and the increase of the old and the immunosuppressed people of the population in the developed countries. A review is given of the increasing significance of old and new infectious diseases in the last 2 decades. Transmissible diseases from the environment have a special importance because many people are affected hereby. Hygienic aspects of drinking and swimming water, air- and ground caused infectious diseases are treated. The political support is requested. The institutions have had an important role in the prevention and control of infectious diseases in the past like the public health departments, hygiene and medical microbiologic urgently need the support and promotion of the government.