Infectious diseases

Many infectious diseases have declined globally. Higher standards of living and improved hygienic conditions are a major cause, as well as the use of vaccines. The introduction of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is likely to lead to a reduction in the number of cases of cervical cancer in the future.

Increased international travel and import of food is causing an increase in some infectious diseases in Norway. These include some foodborne infections and infections by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The number of new cases of sexually-transmitted infections has increased in recent years. This partly reflects the fact that too few people use condoms.

In the future, new epidemics of influenza for which we do not have the vaccine today can be expected. Other epidemics with new viruses may occur. We must also be prepared for new viruses that cause illness in humans or existing viruses that spread to Norway. Therefore, good preparedness, both nationally and internationally, is vital for infectious diseases.

The drinking water pipe network in Norway is poorly maintained. The number of cases of food and waterborne diseases may increase if maintenance is not improved.