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Comparison of respiratory, febrile and influenza-like illness syndromes to detect laboratory-reported H1N1 and RSV, Influenza Season 2009–10, New York City

Description

The New York City (NYC) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene monitors visits daily from 49 of 54 NYC emergency departments (EDs), capturing 95% of all ED visits. ED visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) have reflected influenza activity in NYC, better than the more broadly defined fever/flu and respiratory syndromes, but the correlation with H1N1 is unknown. 

Laboratory-confirmed influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were made reportable in NYC in February 2008. DOHMH receives electronic reports of positive tests. 

As part of 2009–10 influenza surveillance, five hospitals were selected for ‘sentinel’ surveillance of hospitalized influenza cases, to test all patients with a respiratory condition for influenza. Sentinel hospitals ensured that patient medical record numbers were in the daily ED syndromic file and in the electronic laboratory reports.

 

Objective

To determine the correlation of the ILI syndrome with laboratory-confirmed H1N1 and RSV during the October 2009 to March 2010 H1N1 season in NYC.

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