Recorded presentation

Joseph S. Lombardo, MS, Sheryl L. Happel Lewis, MPH, Richard A. Wojcik, MS, Wayne Loschen, MS, Howard S. Burkom, PhD, and Steven F. Magruder, PhD. National Security Technology Department, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, 11100 Johns Hopkins Road, Laurel, MD 20723, 240-228-6287, joe.lombardo@jhuapl.edu

Many urban areas in the United States are home to not only large civilian populations but also extensive federal government and military facilities. The intentional release of a biological agent in such an area could have devastating effects. Considering the high potential for mass casualty, it is essential that civilian and military detection capabilities be coordinated, thus allowing for the most accurate assessments and timely responses. To this end, the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) in collaboration with the San Diego Health Department set up a population health monitoring/medical surveillance system in the San Diego region. This system supports the BioNet program, a bio-defense operation coordinated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). In order to capture the full picture, this system uses the combined civilian and military Electronic Surveillance System for Early Notification of Community-Based Epidemics (ESSENCE) technology developed by JHU/APL and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR). Data collected in this ESSENCE system include emergency department chief complaint data, over-the-counter medication purchase records, the Department of Environment Health foodborne illness data, school attendance data, and the medical examiner’s office records. As part of its contribution to the Health Population Monitoring component of the program, the JHU/APL team has conducted rigorous regional simulations to evaluate the efficacy and efficiency of the system. The various tools included in ESSENCE offer an excellent opportunity to enhance local biosurveillance capabilities.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe integrated biosurveillance in the San Diego region. Recognize the importance of coordination between the military and civilian systems. Discuss utilization of non-traditional data sources.

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