Summer 2002 Issue
Tracking Disease Outbreaks in the Information Age
In emergency situations, the ability of public health officials to communicate instantaneously with one another and with others who need the latest accurate health information could be the difference between preventing an epidemic and facing a public health catastrophe. To facilitate the rapid exchange of information, CDC has implemented two communications systems - the Health Alert Network (HAN) and the Epidemic Information Exchange (Epi-X) - designed specifically for public health professionals.
Health Alert Network
Through HAN, CDC is aiding state and local health departments to raise their capacity and preparedness to deal with public health threats. The scope of this initiative includes ensuring full Internet connectivity and training at all levels, as well as the ability to broadcast and receive health alerts. When fully implemented, HAN will be a strong network of local and state public health agencies, serving as an “early warning system” for public health threats and emergencies. As it expands, HAN is expected to include local health departments that collectively serve at least 90 percent of the U.S. population. Additionally, routine health communications and educational information will be distributed through this system.
Epidemic Information Exchange
With interactive features, Epi-X provides expanded capabilities for the exchange of information. Epi-X is a CDC-based, secure web site that gives users instant access to information on investigations of acute and emerging health events. In the office or in the field, public health officials and other designated users can post reports, notify colleagues and receive feedback about ongoing epidemiologic investigations, and research current and past outbreaks.
HAN and Epi-X were key communications tools for public health officials during the anthrax attacks of 2001. Using this experience, CDC officials plan further enhancements to both systems to meet the demands of investigating future events of bioterrorism.
For more information on these programs, visit these related web sites: