1. How can surveillance help to detect and control the disease (Dengue)?
Surveillance plays an essential role in detecting and controlling dengue outbreak by enabling early identification of unusual increases in dengue cases, allowing health authorities to respond quickly (by collaboration with different sectors such as clinical setting, public health setting, environmental health setting) before the disease spreads widely. Through continuous monitoring of disease patterns, surveillance system can track trends in dengue incidence, identify high-risk areas, and detect clusters of infection that signal potential outbreaks.
2. Should we conduct active or passive surveillance or both for the disease (Dengue), why?
We should conduct both passive and active surveillance for Dengue. Passive surveillance collect reports from health facilities, while active surveillance involves targeted investigation and case finding in communities. Conducting both would provide early detection and timely responses on Dengue outbreaks.
3. Which method should be best to identify cases (Dengue), why?
3.1: Cases in medical facilities VS community
Identifying dengue cases through both medical facilities and the community is the best option. However, in resource limited setting, community-based surveillance is more effective for dengue detection. This is because mild dengue cases may not reach hospitals or clinics, and some symptoms may disappear without severe clinical signs and symptoms. Community surveillance helps detect these unreported infections, giving the transmission trend in the area. However, data from health facilities are also important for confirming severe cases and guiding medical response. Therefore, a combined approach ensures early detection and better control of dengue outbreaks.
3.2: Sentinel VS population-based surveillance
For dengue, sentinel surveillance, using selected health facilities or locations, works best in many settings, especially where resources are limited. Sentinel surveillance can provide detailed, high-quality data on trends of the disease without requiring the large effort of population-based surveillance. Although population-based systems give broader coverage, they are costly and need to use extra human resources. Sentinel surveillance, when well chosen in high-risk areas, can offer timely response that helps target prevention and vector control measures more effectively.
3.3: Case-based VS aggregated surveillance
A case-based surveillance is better for dengue detection and control. Collecting data for each individual case, including personal, and geographical information, allows for rapid investigation of clusters, understanding transmission trend, and implementing targeted interventions. Aggregated data, while simpler to manage, lacks the detail needed to trace outbreaks or identify hotspots accurately. As Murray and Cohen (2017) note, case-based surveillance is particularly useful for disease outbreak and require quick public health responses.
3.4: Syndromic VS laboratory-confirmed surveillance
In dengue surveillance, both are important. Syndromic surveillance provides early detection and laboratory confirmation provides disease verification. Since dengue often presents with fever and flu-like symptoms, monitoring these symptoms can provide an early warning before lab confirmation is available. As per Murray & Cohen (2017), combined approach (Syndromic for early detection followed by lab-confirmed surveillance) provides fast and accurate response in managing dengue outbreak.
4. What dissemination tools will you choose to disseminate monkeypox surveillance information? Why do you choose this/these tools?
For disseminating monkeypox surveillance information, I would choose real-time online platforms, along with regular epidemiological reports (such as weekly, bi-weekly, etc.) and communication channel (such as social media, SMS) to the general public. Real-time tools are very important because monkeypox can spread quickly through travel and close contact, so immediate sharing of verified information helps health authorities and the public respond quickly to prevent further transmission. At the same time, regular epidemiological reports provide detailed updates (such as trend analysis, disease data, future plan for disease control, research purpose, etc.) for policymakers and health professionals for decision making. Dissemininating the disease status and alerts to the general public is also essential for their awareness and preventive measures.
