What is Syndromic Surveillance?

Evaluating Statistical Methods for Syndromic Surveillance

“…Because potential bioterrorist agents such as anthrax, plague, brucellosis, tularemia, Q-fever, glanders, smallpox, and viral hemorrhagic fevers initially exhibit symptoms ("present" 142 Michael A. Stoto et al in medical terminology) of a flulike illness, data suggesting a sudden increase of individuals with fever, headache, muscle pain, and malaise might be the first indication of a bioterrorist attack or natural disease outbreak. Syndromic surveillance is also thought to be useful for early detection of natural disease outbreaks [Hen04].Research groups based at universities, health departments, private firms, and other organizations have proposed and are developing and promoting a variety of surveillance systems purported to meet public health needs. These include methods for analysis of data from healthcare facilities, as well as reports to health departments of unusual cases.…”

“…Because potential bioterrorist agents such as anthrax, plague, brucellosis, tularemia, Q-fever, glanders, smallpox, and viral hemorrhagic fevers initially exhibit symptoms ("present" 142 Michael A. Stoto et al in medical terminology) of a flulike illness, data suggesting a sudden increase of individuals with fever, headache, muscle pain, and malaise might be the first indication of a bioterrorist attack or natural disease outbreak. Syndromic surveillance is also thought to be useful for early detection of natural disease outbreaks [Hen04].…”

“…Many of these methods involve intensive, automated statistical analysis of large amounts of data and intensive use of informatics techniques to gather data for analysis and to communicate among physicians and public health officials [WTE01]. Some of these systems go beyond health care data to include nonhealth data such as over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceutical sales and absenteeism that might indicate people with symptoms who have not sought health care [Hen04].…”

“…Many of these methods involve intensive, automated statistical analysis of large amounts of data and intensive use of informatics techniques to gather data for analysis and to communicate among physicians and public health officials [WTE01]. Some of these systems go beyond health care data to include nonhealth data such as over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceutical sales and absenteeism that might indicate people with symptoms who have not sought health care [Hen04].There are a number of technological, logistical, and legal constraints to obtaining appropriate data and effective operation of syndromic surveillance systems [Bue04]. However, even with access to the requisite data and perfect organizational coordination and cooperation, the statistical challenges in reliably and accurately detecting a bioevent are formidable.…”

Notes from the Field: Monitoring Out-of-State Patients During a Hurricane Response Using Syndromic Surveillance — Tennessee, 2017

“…As Texas and Florida readied for direct impacts of the storms, nearby states prepared for the arrival of internally displaced persons. During the weeks surrounding the storms, the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) supported all-hazards situational awareness for public health partners by enhancing syndromic surveillance activities, i.e., the monitoring of symptom combinations or other indicators within a population to inform public health action (1).…”