The authors present a survey of the incidence of occupational diseases in the sector of economic activity N85 (public health, veterinary and social activities) in the years 1992 - 1997. The repeated high annual number of notified occupational diseases in this sector was particularly due to infectious and parasitary diseases and occupational dermatoses. Infectious hepatitis and scabies were the two most frequent infectious diseases in the years 1992 - 1997. Occupational dermatoses were most frequently caused by disinfection agents. Nurses represented the most frequently affected occupational group. The average age at the time of notification of occupational diseases in the observed period was between 38 and 39 years. The average duration of exposure fluctuated between 9 and 12 years. The highest average age and the longest exposure occured in persons suffering from occupational diseases caused by physical factors. In conclusion the authors recommend that during the medical examinations, particular attention should be paid to workers with long-term exposure to these noxae.

        Key words: occupational diseases, trends of evolution, public health, veterinary and social activities, occupation, age, exposure, prevention