Early Detection of Influenza Activity Using Syndromic Surveillance in Missouri

Authors

  • Fei Wu Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
  • Amy Kelsey Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5210/ojphi.v5i1.4461

Abstract

This study compared weekly percent of influenza-like illness (ILI) in Early Notification of Community-based Epidemics (ESSENCE) to weekly counts of laboratory confirmed influenza cases and evaluated the early warning potential of the ESSENCE weekly ILI percent for five consecutive influenza seasons (2006-11) in Missouri. ESSENCE weekly ILI percent was significantly correlated with weekly counts of laboratory-confirmed influenza cases. Use of the ESSENCE percent ILI baseline provided two weeks of advanced warning for seasonal influenza activity. These findings justify the use of ESSENCE for influenza surveillance.

Author Biography

Fei Wu, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

Dr. Fei Wu has been an Epidemiology Specialist at the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services in the ESSENCE Program since 2008. She obtained her MD in Preventive Medicine from China and PhD in Medical Research from Japan. After finishing her training, she decided to pursue a career in public health. Utilizing her research skills and medical knowledge, she has presented on the application of ESSENCE in public health events at several conferences.

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Published

2013-03-23

How to Cite

Wu, F., & Kelsey, A. (2013). Early Detection of Influenza Activity Using Syndromic Surveillance in Missouri. Online Journal of Public Health Informatics, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.5210/ojphi.v5i1.4461

Issue

Section

Oral Presentations: Influenza Surveillance Methods - Evaluation and Practice