Skip to main content

Using Syndromic Surveillance to assist in a meningitis outbreak investigation

Description

Beginning on March 13, 2011, ACDC experienced an unusual increase in reported bacterial meningitis cases in Los Angeles (LA) County. Early in the investigation, there were few epidemiological links between the cases. Three cases were homeless; two resided at the same Skid Row shelter in downtown LA. ACDC assessed its syndromic surveillance databases to help gauge the scope of the outbreak and detect potentially overlooked cases.

Objective

To describe the complementary usage of electronic emergency department (ED) data, Coroner deaths, and 911 dispatch call center data in a bacterial meningitis outbreak.

Submitted by elamb on