Description: Epidemiological surveillance is the continuous and systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health-related data. This process is essential for identifying disease outbreaks, evaluating the effectiveness of public health interventions, and planning health resources. Through epidemiological surveillance, patterns and trends in disease incidence can be detected, allowing public health authorities to make informed and timely decisions. Surveillance can be active, where information is proactively sought, or passive, where information is received from external sources. Additionally, it relies on modern technologies, such as geographic information systems and data analysis tools, to enhance the accuracy and speed of responses to health emergencies. In an increasingly interconnected world, epidemiological surveillance has become crucial for the prevention and control of diseases, not only at the local level but also globally, facilitating collaboration among countries and international organizations in the fight against epidemics and pandemics.
History: Epidemiological surveillance has its roots in the 19th century when monitoring systems were established to control disease outbreaks such as cholera. One of the most significant milestones was the creation of the International Office of Public Health in 1907, which laid the groundwork for international cooperation in disease surveillance. Throughout the 20th century, surveillance was formalized and expanded, especially after World War II, with the establishment of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948, which promoted surveillance as a key tool for global public health.
Uses: Epidemiological surveillance is used to detect and monitor disease outbreaks, evaluate the effectiveness of vaccination programs, identify risk factors, and guide public health policies. It is also essential in researching emerging and re-emerging diseases, as well as in planning responses to health emergencies. Additionally, it is applied in the surveillance of chronic diseases and in assessing the quality of health services.
Examples: An example of epidemiological surveillance is the infectious disease surveillance system implemented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, which monitors the incidence of diseases such as influenza and COVID-19. Another case is the use of digital tools and applications to track contacts in real-time during health crises, which allowed public health authorities to identify and contain outbreaks more effectively.
