In preparation for mass gathering events, DPH conducts enhanced syndromic surveillance activities to detect potential cases of anthrax, tularemia, plague, and other potentially bioterrorism-related communicable diseases. While preparing for Saint Louis to host a Presidential Debate on October 9, 2016, DPH was asked by a partner organization whether we could also detect emergency department (ED) visits for injuries (e.g., burns to the hands or forearms) that could possibly indicate bomb-making activities.
Objective:
To describe a novel application of ESSENCE by the Saint Louis County Department of Public Health (DPH) in preparation for a mass gathering and to encourage discussion about the appropriateness of sharing syndromic surveillance data with law enforcement partners.