[Emerging infections and infectious diseases as the cause of extreme situation].

Information on unexpectedly emerging and newly appearing infectious diseases in the world, based on materials contained in WHO weekly reviews for the period of 1991-2000, is presented. Opinions of researchers on the causes and factors giving rise to this complex situation in different regions and on different continents are cited. In cases of insufficient training of the medical personnel, the specialists of diagnostic laboratories and the antiepidemic service the outbreak of these infections may assume the character of emergency situations. The importance of the development, introduction and ensuring the availability of the methods for the rapid diagnostics of infectious diseases, as well as the improvement of the system of epidemiological surveillance and operative exchange in information on so-called "new" infectious diseases, is emphasized.