Automatic Outbreak Detection Algorithm versus Electronic Reporting System

Abstract

To determine efficacy of automatic outbreak detection algorithms (AODAs), we analyzed 3,582 AODA signals and 4,427 reports of outbreaks caused by Campylobacter spp. or norovirus during 2005–2006 in Germany. Local health departments reported local outbreaks with higher sensitivity and positive predictive value than did AODAs.

Keywords

• infectious disease reporting
• communicable disease control
• algorithms
• outbreaks
• campylobacter
• norovirus