Alert System to Detect Possible School-based Outbreaks of Influenza-like Illness

To evaluate the usefulness of school absentee data in identifying outbreaks as part of syndromic surveillance, we examined data collected from public schools in Miami-Dade County, Florida, USA. An innovative automated alert system captured information about school-specific absenteeism to detect and provide real-time notification of possible outbreaks of influenza-like illness

Innovative Uses for Syndromic Surveillance

To determine if expanded queries can be used to identify specific reportable diseases/conditions not detected by using automated syndrome categories, we developed new categories to use with the Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community Based Epidemics. Results suggest innovative queries can enhance clinicians’ compliance with reportable disease requirements

Development and Implementation of a Zika Virus Disease Response Protocol at a Large Academic Medical Center

The rapid spread of Zika virus represents a threat to public health and demands significant preparation from hospitals and health care systems. Establishment of procedures for the identification of cases of Zika virus infection is a fundamental aspect of response planning. We describe the steps taken in the development and implementation of a protocol for the diagnosis and management of suspected cases of Zika virus infection in a large academic medical center. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:256-258)

Fatal Dengue Acquired in Florida

A woman presented with acute cholecystitis to a hospital in Miami. She subsequently died from complications of locally acquired dengue virus infection