Using GI Syndrome Data as an Early Warning Tool for Norovirus Outbreak Activity

Authors

  • Erin E. Austin Division of Surveillance and Investigation, Virginia Department of Health
  • Jun Yang Division of Surveillance and Investigation, Virginia Department of Health
  • Tim Powell Division of Surveillance and Investigation, Virginia Department of Health

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5210/ojphi.v5i1.4565

Abstract

Norovirus (NV) infection results in considerable morbidity each year in the United States. The relationship between gastrointestinal (GI) syndrome data and reported NV outbreaks in Virginia was assessed from May 2008- May 2012 with the purpose of developing an early warning tool for NV outbreak activity. GI syndrome visits were highly correlated with NV outbreaks and an increase in GI syndrome visits occurred on average 1.25 weeks prior to the initiation of high NV outbreak activity. The use of syndromic surveillance data as an early warning indicator of NV outbreak activity shows promise as a trigger for public health action.

Author Biography

Erin E. Austin, Division of Surveillance and Investigation, Virginia Department of Health

Erin Austin is the Enhanced Surveillance Epidemiologist in the Division of Surveillance and Investigation at the Virginia Department of Health. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Richmond and a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health.

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Published

2013-03-24

How to Cite

Austin, E. E., Yang, J., & Powell, T. (2013). Using GI Syndrome Data as an Early Warning Tool for Norovirus Outbreak Activity. Online Journal of Public Health Informatics, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.5210/ojphi.v5i1.4565

Issue

Section

Oral Presentations: Surveillance during Mass Gatherings and Outbreaks