Search

The article summarizes the results of the evaluation of Early Notification of Community-Based Epidemics (ESSENCE) influenza-like illness (ILI) surveillance system by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and the Department of Defense (DoD) designed the system. The evaluation involved medical records at the U.S. Air Force (USAF) Academy clinics from June 25 to July 8, 2009. Based on ESSENCE, ILI trend increased two to four days before an Academy mass gathering. Also cited are the limitations of the evaluation including the collection of data from only one outbreak at one USAF base. INSET: What is already known on this topic?.

The article discusses the establishment of the first field hospital in Port-au-Prince to treat the victims of earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010. The hospital was established by the University of Miami Global Institute/Project Medishare (UMGI/PM). The most common injury diagnoses include fractures/dislocations, wound infections as well as head, face and brain injuries. The hospital was located in the United Nations compound and can accommodate up to 250 patients. It was staffed by 220 volunteers from the U.S. and Canada.