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[Influenza surveillance in Germany].
1Influenza-Zentrums im Robert-Koch-Institut. werner.lange.home.office@t-online.de
MMW Fortschritte Der Medizin
|March 24, 2004
Summary
Germany utilizes two influenza surveillance systems: the Robert Koch Institute
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Surveillance
Background:
- Germany employs two distinct systems for monitoring influenza activity.
- These systems, if integrated, offer complementary data for comprehensive surveillance.
- Existing systems include the Robert Koch Institute's influenza working group and the RealFlu system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the current influenza surveillance systems in Germany.
- To highlight the potential for synergy between the two systems.
- To inform about the data availability and timeliness of each system.
Main Methods:
- Robert Koch Institute system: Utilizes acute respiratory disease (ARD) and viral detection (PCR/isolation) with a physician sentinel network; data shared via the internet.
- RealFlu system: Employs influenza-like illness (ILI) and rapid influenza diagnostic tests with a physician sentinel network; provides daily, regional updates online.
- Both systems contribute to national and international surveillance networks (EISS, WHO).
Main Results:
- The Robert Koch Institute system has a reporting delay of approximately one week, longer for viral isolation.
- The RealFlu system offers daily updates, providing timely and regional influenza activity information.
- Both systems are accessible via the internet.
Conclusions:
- Two complementary influenza surveillance systems are operational in Germany.
- The RealFlu system provides more timely and regional data compared to the Robert Koch Institute system.
- Enhanced cooperation could improve overall influenza monitoring efficiency and data utilization.