The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) play a crucial role in monitoring and responding to emerging health threats . The CDC 's National Syndromic Surveillance Program ( NSSP ) collects electronic health record data from over 6,500 healthcare facilities across the United States . This data represents nearly 80 % of emergency departments in all 50 states , the District of Columbia , and Guam , providing valuable information for public health officials.
CDC is utilizing various data sources to identify and address health threats such as the avian influenza A(H5N1 ) virus . This virus has led to confirmed infections in various species , including poultry and dairy cattle in the United States . Additionally , there have been 13 recent human infections reported . The NSSP plays a crucial role in capturing this data , which becomes available within 24 hours of a patient visit to a participating emergency department . This timely information allows for early detection of concerning levels of illness and enables further investigation and intervention by public health authorities.
The NSSP helps public health departments track both symptoms and diagnoses to detect unusual spikes in illness , such as increased influenza activity . In addition to monitoring respiratory illnesses , emergency department data can also be used to track drug overdoses , heat - related illnesses , tick bites , and more . Over 1,400 state and local public health partners utilize this data through the NSSP Community of Practice to inform emergency response efforts , track healthcare resource utilization , and promote preventive care initiatives.
In response to the avian influenza A(H5N1 ) outbreak , CDC staff closely monitor the NSSP data to provide weekly percentages of emergency department visits linked to flu diagnoses . While these visits include individuals with any influenza diagnosis , not just H5N1 bird flu , they help establish baseline flu activity levels and serve as early warning indicators for changes . This data assists public health professionals in identifying areas that require closer monitoring in the event of unexpected increases in flu activity . CDC employs a range of flu indicators , including syndromic surveillance , to track influenza activity . The extensive participation of U.S. emergency departments in the NSSP facilitates the recognition of increases in reported flu visits at a more detailed geographical level compared to other surveillance systems . Local public health departments have access to jurisdiction - specific data , supporting their response efforts.
CDC 's comprehensive approach involves analyzing multiple indicators when there is a rise in reported influenza visits . By examining data from local , state , regional , and national levels , CDC can effectively respond to flu outbreaks and implement appropriate public health measures . The timely and detailed information provided by the NSSP plays a crucial role in enhancing the CDC 's surveillance and response capabilities to protect public health.
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