Syndromic Surveillance: Is it Worth the Effort?

摘要

Unlike bombings, bioterrorism can be invisible, unapparent until people become ill, spreading silently as infected people interact with others. The flying bombs of September 11, 2001, the subsequent anthrax letters, and credible threats of future attacks have greatly heightened the need for a bioterrorism early warning system. The sooner public health officials know about a bioterrorist attack, the more effective their response can be. Early detection speeds quarantines, vaccinations, and treatments.