title: Public health surveillance response following the southern Alberta floods, 2013.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In June of 2013, southern Alberta underwent flooding that affected approximately 100,000 people. We describe the process put in place for public health surveillance and assessment of the impacts on health.
  
  
  METHODS
  Public health surveillance was implemented for the six-week period after the flood to detect anticipated health events, including injuries, mental health problems and infectious diseases. Data sources were emergency departments (EDs) for presenting complaints, public health data on the post-exposure administration of tetanus vaccine/immunoglobulin, administrative data on prescription drugs, and reportable diseases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  An increase in injuries was detected through ED visits among Calgary residents (rate ratio [RR] 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14-1.43) and was supported by a 75% increase in the average weekly administration of post-exposure prophylaxis against tetanus. Mental health impacts in High River residents were observed among females through a 1.64-fold (95% CI: 1.11-2.43) and 2.32-fold (95% CI: 1.45-3.70) increase in new prescriptions for anti-anxiety medication and sleep aids respectively. An increase in sexual assaults presenting to EDs (RR 3.18, 95% CI: 1.29-7.84) was observed among Calgary residents. No increases in infectious gastrointestinal disease or respiratory illness were identified. Timely identification and communication of surveillance alerts allowed for messaging around the use of personal protective equipment and precautions for personal safety.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Existing data sources were used for surveillance following an emergency situation. The information produced, though limited, was sufficiently timely to inform public health decision-making.
authors.affiliation: Alberta Ministry of Health, 23rd Floor, ATB Place, 10025 Jasper Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB, T5J 1S6, Canada. vanita.sahni@gov.ab.ca.
authors.forename: Vanita
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sahni
authors.affiliation: Alberta Ministry of Health, 23rd Floor, ATB Place, 10025 Jasper Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB, T5J 1S6, Canada.
authors.forename: Allison N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.affiliation: Alberta Ministry of Health, 23rd Floor, ATB Place, 10025 Jasper Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB, T5J 1S6, Canada.
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Beliveau
authors.affiliation: Alberta Ministry of Health, 23rd Floor, ATB Place, 10025 Jasper Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB, T5J 1S6, Canada.
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Varughese
authors.affiliation: Alberta Ministry of Health, 23rd Floor, ATB Place, 10025 Jasper Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB, T5J 1S6, Canada.
authors.forename: Douglas C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Dover
authors.affiliation: Alberta Ministry of Health, 23rd Floor, ATB Place, 10025 Jasper Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB, T5J 1S6, Canada.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Talbot
mesh_terms: D000416:Alberta / Q000453:epidemiology; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D055868:Floods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D056990:Post-Exposure Prophylaxis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055553:Prescription Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015980:Public Health Practice; D062486:Public Health Surveillance; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013742:Tetanus / Q000517:prevention & control; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D055553:Prescription Drugs