Global infectious disease surveillance and health intelligence.
Current concerns about the spread of infectious diseases, especially unexpected ("emerging") infections such as pandemic influenza or severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), have renewed focus on the critical importance of global early warning and rapid response. Although considerable progress has been made, many gaps remain. A number of the gaps can be addressed through increased political will, resources for reporting, improved coordination and sharing of information, raising clinicians' awareness, and additional research to develop more rigorous triggers for action. The increasing availability of communications and information technologies worldwide offers new opportunities for reporting even in low-capacity settings.
Morse
Stephen S
SS
Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA. ssm20@columbia.edu
D040421:Cell Phone / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000458:organization & administration*; D021821:Communicable Diseases, Emerging / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003195:Computer Communication Networks / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control; D014943:Global Health; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D007391:International Cooperation; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods*; D040442:Public Health Informatics / Q000379:methods*; D045169:Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control