Evaluation of active versus passive AIDS surveillance in Oregon

We searched for unreported AIDS cases in Oregon through death certificate and medical record review, and enhanced infection control practitioner and physician surveillance. Fifty-six AIDS cases diagnosed between February 1, 1986 and January 31, 1987 were reported passively. Twenty-nine additional cases diagnosed during this time were retrospectively identified by active methods. Ninety percent of those 29 cases were diagnosed by physicians and cared for in hospitals that had previously reported cases. Completeness of reporting under the passive system was 64 percent.