Recorded presentation

Sheryl L. Happel Lewis, MPH, Joseph Lombardo, MS, Richard A. Wojcik, MS, Wayne Loschen, MS, and Rekha Holtry, MPH. National Security Technology Department, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, 11100 Johns Hopkins Road, Laurel, MD 20723, 240-228-7604, sheri.lewis@jhuapl.edu

Due to advancements in technology and ease of accessibility, the potential for a biological agent to be used in an act of terrorism is unquestionably high. As a result, high profile cities such as Washington, DC and its surrounding suburbs face the daunting task of being prepared for a large scale attack. The rapid implementation of control measures and optimal use of resources is, above all, dependant on the ability to conduct reliable, near real-time surveillance. The National Capital Region (NCR) Syndromic Surveillance Network is a biosurveillance program which utilizes the capabilities of the civilian Electronic Surveillance System for Early Notification of Community Epidemics (ESSENCE) developed by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL). The NCR network is set up to collect information from jurisdiction-specific surveillance nodes in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. In order to identify bio-events early, the system utilizes both traditional and non-traditional data sources. While fully identifiable information is available to health departments in respective jurisdictions, de-identified data is shared across the network, with the central regional surveillance node located at JHU/APL. The Regional Surveillance Operating Group, which includes representatives from each jurisdiction, obtains consensus on such features as functional protocols and system evaluations. Each public health jurisdiction responds independently to public health alerts and remains entirely autonomous in ensuring the health and safety of their citizens. With an unprecedented collaborative network among public health programs, the NCR syndromic surveillance system offers a first line of defense in the national capital area.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the surveillance system utilized by the National Capital Region.
• Identify issues related to collaborating with numerous public health jurisdictions.

Keywords: Bioterrorism, Surveillance

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation