Abstract
Syndromic surveillance was performed from September 1, 2009 for the early detection of nosocomial infection, and for the safety and health of 1350 workers at a hospital during the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza. The chief of each section reports the condition of the staff by 9 o'clock every morning using a form on the web browser of the intranet to input information on workers with cough/rhinorrhea/sore throat, fever, vomiting/diarrhea, or other symptoms. Ten persons among the leaders of the infection control team (ICT) or managers were permitted to view a daily list of workers with or without symptoms. If necessary, the ICT investigated the situation of a section in which an outbreak may occur, directed some workers to take sick leave, and isolated contacts to prevent the spread of disease. Between September 1 and December 31, the percentage (median [range]) of reported workers (out of the total workforce) was 85.0% [74.4%-98.5%] on weekdays (n=78) and 43.2% [34.2%-53.0%] on holidays (n=44). The most frequent symptom was cough/rhinorrhea/sore throat, followed by fever, and vomiting/diarrhea. There were 114 workers with fever and the ICT advised them all on actions. The ICT directed 39 workers who suffered from influenza to take 7 days of sick leave. The spread of infection from staff-to-patients did not occur. Online syndromic surveillance enabled the ICT to assess the conditions of many workers easily, and to provide early advice on the appropriate steps to take.
