BACKGROUND Syndromic surveillance research has focused on two main themes: the search for data sources that can provide early disease detection; and the development of efficient algorithms that can detect potential outbreak signals. METHODS This work combines three algorithms that have demonstrated solid performance in detecting simulated outbreak signals of varying shapes in time series of l...

In response to a recent outbreak in China, detection assays for a novel avian influenza A(H7N9) virus need to be implemented in a large number of public health laboratories. Here we present real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays for specific detection of this virus, along with clinical validation data and biologically-safe positive controls.

Today, the objective of public health surveillance system is to reduce the impact of outbreaks by enabling appropriate intervention. Commonly used techniques are based on the changes or aberration in health events when compared with normal history to detect an outbreak. The main problem encountered in outbreaks is high rates of false alarm. High false alarm rates can lead to unnecessary interve...

OBJECTIVE The authors evaluated algorithms commonly used in syndromic surveillance for use as screening tools to detect potentially clonal outbreaks for review by infection control practitioners. DESIGN Study phase 1 applied four aberrancy detection algorithms (CUSUM, EWMA, space-time scan statistic, and WSARE) to retrospective microbiologic culture data, producing a list of past candidate ou...

Background Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a major cause of respiratory infection of varying severity. Outbreaks of M. pneumoniae infection commonly occur in closed or semi-closed communities and settings. The control of such outbreaks is challenging, owing to delayed detection, long incubation period, and paucity of infection control guidelines. Methods Between May and July 2015, a residential faci...

Outbreak management of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing pathogens requires rapid and accurate diagnosis. However, conventional screening is slow and labor-intensive. The vast majority of the screened samples are negative and detection of non-outbreak-related resistant micro-organisms often complicates outbreak management. In a CTX-M-15-producing Escherichia coli outbreak, 149 feca...