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MeCDC home > Influenza 2008-2009 Home > Influenza Surveillance

Influenza Surveillance

Weekly Surveillance Updates | Avian Influenza Guidelines | Infection Control Measures External site disclaimer

Maine influenza surveillance information is summarized in the Maine Weekly Influenza Surveillance Report. Through influenza surveillance, the onset of influenza and influenza-like illness and trends in influenza subtype circulation are monitored to guide control measures to limit the transmission of influenza. Surveillance results also inform influenza prevention and control policy. For additional information on surveillance activities, contact the influenza coordinator at 1-800-821-5821.

Maine CDC plans the following activities for the 2008-2009 season to track influenza and influenza-like illness across the state:

  1. Characterization of statewide influenza activity by the state epidemiologist;
  2. Monitoring of outpatient influenza-like illness among sentinel healthcare providers;
  3. Report of culture-positive influenza by reference and state laboratories;
  4. Investigation of influenza outbreaks in schools, long-term care and acute care facilities;
  5. Regional hospital surveillance for respiratory illness among patients admitted from the emergency room;
  6. Select city vital record offices reporting influenza and pneumonia-associated deaths; and
  7. Individual case reports of influenza-associated pediatric deaths.

These activities will be conducted from October 2008 through May 2009; however surveillance efforts will move toward year-round monitoring of influenza to facilitate increased understanding of virus circulation and in preparation of the possibility of a novel influenza strain being introduced in Maine. Surveillance activities are heavily dependent on the collaboration and active participation of multiple health partners who compile and report influenza data on a weekly basis.