A novel active respiratory syncytial virus surveillance system in the United States: variability in the local and regional incidence of infection.
BACKGROUND
To characterize the onset, peak, and duration of the RSV season in major metropolitan areas in the United States as determined from laboratory test data collected by a novel RSV surveillance program (RSV Alert), including regional and national trends.


METHODS
We prospectively analyzed results of more than 600,000 tests collected weekly during 3 seasons (2004/2005-2006/2007) by the RSV Alert program. More than 200 institutions participated in the first 2 seasons of the program, and more than 600 sites in the third. Data were analyzed for trends in season onset, offset, and duration at the local, regional, and national levels.


RESULTS
Considerable variability in season onset and duration was noted between metropolitan areas located geographically within the same region. Seasonal outbreaks of RSV consistently peaked first, concluded earliest, and were of longest duration in the Southern region. The onset of the RSV season occurred latest and peaked last in the Midwest region each season.


CONCLUSIONS
The variable nature of outbreaks observed between metropolitan areas located geographically within the same regions of the country is highlighted through data collected for 3 consecutive seasons. The RSV Alert program is a valuable reporting system that provides real-time surveillance data at a city/local level nationwide and has potential to aid clinicians in decisions regarding RSV management.
Boron
Marnie L
ML
Medical and Scientific Affairs, MedImmune LLC, One MedImmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA. boronm@medimmune.com
Edelman
Laurel
L
Groothuis
Jessie R
JR
Malinoski
Frank J
FJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D018113:Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D012621:Seasons; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult