Global Surveillance for Emerging Infectious Diseases

During the mid-to-late 1900s, there were optimistic projections that the battle against infectious diseases would soon be won. The continuing emergence of new infectious diseases and the occurrence of several high-profile outbreaks indicate that this is not the case, however; and efforts to improve disease surveillance across the globe have increased. This chapter focuses on approaches to global surveillance such as attributes for indicator-based and event-based systems, outbreak response systems, and key developments including, for example, new International Health Regulations. How changing perceptions about infectious disease threats have led to increased participation in global surveillance by nontraditional sectors, including security communities, is discussed, as are challenges that stand in the way of continued improvements. The chapter reviews challenges, such as insufficient capacity to detect diseases and disincentives for reporting and suggests areas for improvement including integration of systems for surveillance in humans and animals.