European Influenza Surveillance Scheme on the Internet

R. Snacken; J. C. Manuguerra; P. Taylor

doi:10.1055/s-0038-1634531

Methods of Information in Medicine, Table of Contents

Methods Inf Med 1998; 37(03): 266-270
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1634531

Original Article

Schattauer GmbH

European Influenza Surveillance Scheme on the Internet

Authors

R. Snacken

¹Scientific Institute of Public Health – Louis Pasteur, Department of Epidemiology, Brussels, Belgium
J. C. Manuguerra

²Institut Pasteur, National Influenza Centre for Northern France, Paris, France
P. Taylor

³Quad Logic, Paris, France

Abstract

In 1995, The European Influenza Surveillance Scheme was created with the participation of eight networks from seven countries. The main objectives were to continue the previous CARE Telematics Network and to adapt the project to the Internet environment as well as to improve substantially the quality of the surveillance according to new epidemiological requirements. Clinical and virological data from the general population and hospitals are collected in an interactive real-time database which can then be used for data entry, queries and consultations. Research programmes have been undertaken in various fields such as standardisation of clinical data and comparability between countries. Validation and security processes guarantee the quality assurance as well as regular assessment by the steering committee. Two additional countries will participate during the next influenza season (1997-98). This will represent an early warning system in a region of approximately 264 million inhabitants.

Keywords

Influenza - Surveillance - Internet - Europe - RSV

Full Text

References

REFERENCES
1 Snacken R, Bensadon M, Strauss A. The CARE Telematics Network for the surveillance of influenza in Europe. Meth Inform Med 1995; 34: 518-22.
2 Fleming DM, Cohen JM. Experience of European collaboration in influenza surveillance in the winter 1993-1994. J Publ Health Med 1996; 18: 133-42.
3 Shortridge KF. The next pandemic influenza virus ?. Lancet 1995; 346: 1210-2.
4 Falsey AR, Cunningham CK, Barker WH, Kouides RW, Yuen JB, Menegus M, Weiner LB, Bonville CA, Betts RF. Respiratory syncytial virus and influenza A infections in the hospitalized elderly. J Infect Dis 1995; 172: 389-94.
5 Monto AS. Influenza: quantifying morbidity and mortality. Am J Med 1987; 82: 20-5.
6 Giesecke J. Surveillance of infectious diseases in the European Union. Lancet 1996; 348: 1534.
7 Dab W, Quenel P, Cohen JM, Hannoun C. A new influenza surveillance system in France: the Ile-de-France “GROG”. 2. Validity of indicators (1984-1989). Eur J Epidem 1991; 7: 579-87.
8 Hannoun C, Dab W, Cohen JM. A new influenza surveillance system in France : The Ile-de France "GROG" 1. Principles and Methodology. Eur J Epidem 1989; 5: 285-93.
9 Ordobas MA, Zorilla B, Arias P. Influenza in Madrid, 1991-1992; validity of the Sentinel network. J Epidem Comm Health 1995; 49 (Suppll) 14-6.
10 Snacken R, Lion J, Van Casteren V, Cornelis R, Yane F, Mombaerts M, Aelvoet W, Stroobant A. Five years of sentinel surveillance of acute respiratory infections (1985-1990); the benefits of an early warning system. Eur J Epidem 1992; 8: 485-90.
11 Szecsenyi J, Uphoff H, Ley S, Brede HD. Influenza Surveillance: Experiences from establishing a sentinel surveillance system in Germany. J Epidem Comm Health 1995; 49 (S1) 9-13.
12 Claas ECJ, de Jong JC, Bartelds AIM, Bijlsma K, Rothbarth PH, de Groot R, Rimmelzwaan GF, Osterhaus ADME. Influenza types and population. Lancet. 1995; ii: 180.
13 Claas ECJ, Kawaoka Y, de Jong JC, Masurel N, Webster RG. Infection of children with avian-human reassortant influenza virus from pigs in Europe. Virology 1994; 204: 453-7.
14 Kurtz J, Manveli RJ, Banks J. Avian, influenza virus isolated from a woman with i conjunctivitis. Lancet 1996; 348: 901-2.
15 Fleming DM, Cross KW. Respiratory syncytial virus or influenza?. Lancet 1993; 342: 1507-10.