Rumor surveillance and avian influenza H5N1.
We describe the enhanced rumor surveillance during the avian influenza H5N1 outbreak in 2004. The World Health Organization's Western Pacific Regional Office identified 40 rumors; 9 were verified to be true. Rumor surveillance informed immediate public health action and prevented unnecessary and costly responses.
Samaan
Gina
G
Western Pacific Regional Office of the World Health Organization, Manila, Philippines. gina.samaan@health.gov.au
Patel
Mahomed
M
Olowokure
Babatunde
B
Roces
Maria C
MC
Oshitani
Hitoshi
H
D003142:Communication; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D006801:Humans; D053124:Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype; D009980:Influenza A virus; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods*; D014944:World Health Organization