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Operationalisation of surveillance of communicable diseases in Chandigarh

M K Sharma1, T Bhatnagar, N K Goel

  • 1Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Chandigarh.

The Journal of Communicable Diseases
|November 4, 2006
PubMed

Insights

This study analyzed communicable disease data, finding Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) were most common, particularly in females. Disease reporting peaked in winter and summer, with distinct seasonal patterns observed for various illnesses.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Communicable diseases pose a significant public health challenge.
  • Understanding disease patterns is crucial for effective surveillance and control.
  • The National Surveillance Programme for Communicable Diseases (NSPCD) collects vital data.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the trends and patterns of communicable diseases reported over one year.
  • To identify seasonal variations and demographic predispositions for common diseases.
  • To inform public health strategies based on surveillance data.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of weekly reports of communicable diseases from Government Medical College, Chandigarh.
  • Data compiled by the Department of Community Medicine under NSPCD.
  • Inclusion of 14,082 cases across various communicable diseases.

Main Results:

  • Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) constituted the majority (64.62%) of cases.
  • ARI proportion was higher in females, while other diseases were more prevalent in males.
  • Seasonal peaks observed: ARI/Pneumonia in winter, ADDs/Pulmonary Tuberculosis in summer, Typhoid/Viral Hepatitis in monsoon.

Conclusions:

  • Communicable disease reporting is significantly higher in winter and summer than in monsoon.
  • Distinct seasonal trends exist for different morbidities.
  • Surveillance data highlights the need for targeted public health interventions based on seasonality and demographics.

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