From development to success: the European surveillance scheme for travel associated Legionnaires' disease.
BACKGROUND
EWGLINET, the European surveillance scheme for travel associated Legionnaires' disease, was established in 1987 following the identification of the disease in 1976. In 1998, the European Commission's Decision 2119/98/EC provided a legal framework for EWGLINET's operation, and its aims and objectives were formalised. Since its inception, the scheme has encountered a number of challenges which have influenced its development as a Disease Specific Network. The solutions to these challenges, and their successes, may be of interest to similar schemes.


OBJECTIVE
This article traces the development of the scheme and its responses to the challenges it has encountered.


RESULTS
One especially significant document developed by the scheme is the European Guidelines for Control and Prevention of Travel Associated Legionnaires' Disease;(1) its history is explored. In addition, EWGLINET's relationship with collaborating centres and other groups such as tour operators is highlighted.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite changing over time, the collaborations and partnerships have been maintained and continue to ensure a close cooperation, maximizing public health effects.
Joseph
Carol A
CA
Health Protection Agency Centre for Infections, Respiratory Diseases Department, London, England.
Ricketts
Katherine D
KD
D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D007877:Legionnaires' Disease; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods*; D016730:Program Development; D014195:Travel