Basic Surveillance Network, a European database for surveillance data on infectious diseases

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Disease Surveillance

Background:

• The Basic Surveillance Network (BSN) was established in 2000, funded by the European Commission.
• It aggregates basic surveillance data on infectious diseases from pre-2004 European Union member states.
• The network aims to facilitate monitoring and comparison of infectious disease incidence trends within the EU.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide easy access to existing descriptive epidemiological data on infectious diseases.
• To monitor and compare incidence trends for infectious diseases across EU member states.
• To expand surveillance to include over 40 EU-listed diseases, up from an initial 10.

Main Methods:

• Collection of case-based data including date of onset, age, and sex.
• Inclusion of a limited set of disease-specific variables like country of infection and immunization status.
• Classification of cases (possible, probable, confirmed) based on EU case definitions.

Main Results:

• The network currently covers infectious disease surveillance data from 'old' EU member states.
• The scope of diseases monitored has significantly expanded from 10 to over 40.
• Data is accessible internally for participants and publicly via an open website.

Conclusions:

• The BSN enhances the ability to track and compare infectious disease patterns within the EU.
• Future expansion will include new EU member states.
• The network serves as a valuable resource for public health monitoring and policy.