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The need for epidemic intelligence
A B Bloch1, I M Onorato, W W Ihle
1Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333.
Public Health Reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974)
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Expanded tuberculosis surveillance was implemented in 1993 to address rising drug-resistant tuberculosis cases. This system collects vital patient data for improved management and public health policy.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Control
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) morbidity and outbreaks of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) have significantly increased.
- A national consensus in the early 1990s highlighted the need for comprehensive TB problem definition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement and utilize an expanded tuberculosis surveillance system nationwide.
- To gather detailed epidemiologic and case management data for TB control.
Main Methods:
- Nationwide implementation of expanded tuberculosis surveillance in January 1993.
- Addition of key variables to the Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis form, including patient health status, HIV status, drug susceptibility, treatment regimens, and therapy completion.
- Monitoring of directly observed therapy (DOT).
- Collection of data on high-risk populations and substance abuse.
Main Results:
- The surveillance system enables comparison of care quality between public and private sectors.
- Comprehensive data collection on patient demographics, risk factors, and treatment outcomes.
- Provides crucial information for patient management, policy development, and resource allocation.
Conclusions:
- Expanded tuberculosis surveillance is essential for optimal patient management.
- The system supports effective policy development, resource allocation, and program planning at all government levels.
- Enhanced data collection is critical for TB program evaluation and improvement.