Using RODS Syndromic Data to Enhance Existing Influenza Sentinel Surveillance Program

Influenza surveillance serves the dual purpose of detecting both natural morbidity and trends, and the emergence of non-natural and bioterrorism-related events. In 2007, the Houston Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS) developed a network of community-based clinics and private physicians to serve as sentinel surveillance sites. Providers reported morbidity and forwarded clinical specimens for testing to the HDHHS lab in order to provide data on circulating strains of influenza in the current season. However, several providers have dropped out of the program due to declining trends of the disease as well as a reduction of clinic staff, resulting in several gaps in the influenza surveillance system. Currently, HDHHS is able to monitor emergency departments (ED) across the Houston metropolitan area by using a syndromic surveillance system called Real-time Outbreak Disease Surveillance (RODS). The RODS system utilizes syndromic categories to classify ED chief complaints. HDHHS staff will access weekly ILI morbidity data from RODS for surveillance and analysis. ILI data will be limited to several specific symptoms, such as “fever or chills,” “cough,” and “sore throat” and limited to cases seen in Harris County. Final results will include data from February 1, 2012 until May 1, 2012. It is important to bridge the gaps in existing influenza surveillance programs as well as identify existing systems as solutions in order to effectively protect the public's health in Houston. Collaboration with hospital, community clinics, and private providers are a necessary component to safeguarding the welfare of the citizens of Houston as well as preventing any potential outbreaks.