The systematic and ongoing collection, analysis, interpretation, and use of health information to detect and monitor diseases, health events, or risks.
Public health surveillance helps identify changes in disease occurrence, detect outbreaks, monitor trends, and guide prevention and control measures. It can involve information from laboratories, hospitals, clinics, registries, and other sources.
QUICK FACT
Surveillance is not simply “watching”; it involves collecting and analyzing information so that action can be taken.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
Screening: identifies people who may have a particular disease or condition, usually before symptoms appear; surveillance monitors patterns or events over time.
SEE ALSO