[The role of primary care physicians in the detection and control of epidemics: the Geneva experience].
Private practice physicians play a central role in the detection and control of outbreaks. In Geneva, a local alert and response network completes the federal surveillance system, based on the mandatory reporting of infectious diseases. The common objective of these two mechanisms is to help health authorities in detecting, assessing, and controlling infectious diseases treats. Private practice physicians are one of the most effective and timely sources of information. As network members, they receive brief reports and information and are involved in the implementation of control and prevention measures. Their key-role was confirmed during a measles epidemic which occurred in Geneva in the spring of 2003.
Sudre
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Direction générale de la santé, épidémiologie et maladies transmissibles, avenue de Beau-Séjour 22, case postale 76, 1211 Genèva 4, Plainpalais, Switzerland. philippe.sudre@etat.ge.ch
Delaporte
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E
Wyler-Lazarevic
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D019058:Community Networks; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D006801:Humans; D008457:Measles / Q000453:epidemiology; D010819:Physician's Role; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011331:Private Practice; D013557:Switzerland / Q000453:epidemiology