Surveillance of Enterovirus 71 Outbreak in Taiwan
Author Information
Author(s): Trong-Neng Wu, Su-Fen Tsai, Shu-Fang Li, Tsuey-Fong Lee, Tzu-Mei Huang, Mei-Li Wang, Kwo-Hsiung Hsu, Chen-Yang Shen
Primary Institution: Disease Surveillance and Quarantine Service, Ministry of Health, Taiwan
Hypothesis
The study investigates the effectiveness of a sentinel surveillance system in detecting and managing an outbreak of enterovirus type 71 (EV71) associated with hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD).
Conclusion
The sentinel surveillance system successfully detected the EV71 outbreak early, allowing for timely public health interventions.
Supporting Evidence
- The outbreak in Taiwan was the first detected by a surveillance system.
- Approximately 850 physicians participated in the surveillance system.
- The public was alerted about the epidemic when cases increased twofold.
- Monitoring severe and fatal cases was critical during the outbreak.
- Both physician-based and hospital-based surveillance systems were used.
Takeaway
Doctors in Taiwan worked together to keep track of a sickness called hand, foot, and mouth disease, which helped them warn people and stop it from spreading.
Methodology
The study utilized a sentinel surveillance system where public health officers collected disease information from local physicians weekly.
Limitations
The data collected may be rough, and some errors in reporting might have occurred.
Participant Demographics
Most participating physicians were pediatricians, general practitioners, and family physicians from various regions in Taiwan.
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