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Review

A growing global network's role in outbreak response: AFHSC-GEIS 2008-2009

Matthew C Johns et al. BMC Public Health. .

Abstract

A cornerstone of effective disease surveillance programs comprises the early identification of infectious threats and the subsequent rapid response to prevent further spread. Effectively identifying, tracking and responding to these threats is often difficult and requires international cooperation due to the rapidity with which diseases cross national borders and spread throughout the global community as a result of travel and migration by humans and animals. From Oct.1, 2008 to Sept. 30, 2009, the United States Department of Defense's (DoD) Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center Global Emerging Infections Surveillance and Response System (AFHSC-GEIS) identified 76 outbreaks in 53 countries. Emerging infectious disease outbreaks were identified by the global network and included a wide spectrum of support activities in collaboration with host country partners, several of which were in direct support of the World Health Organization's (WHO) International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005). The network also supported military forces around the world affected by the novel influenza A/H1N1 pandemic of 2009. With IHR (2005) as the guiding framework for action, the AFHSC-GEIS network of international partners and overseas research laboratories continues to develop into a far-reaching system for identifying, analyzing and responding to emerging disease threats.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Global Snapshot of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Diseases Outbreaks. October 2008 to September 2009
Figure 2
Figure 2
Epi curve of cases, isolated patients during A/H1N1 outbreak aboard the USS Boxer. Summer 2009.
Figure 3
Figure 3
U.S. Air Force Academy swearing-in ceremony (Photo Courtesy of Official U.S. Air Force Academy website)
Figure 4
Figure 4
Confirmed, suspect cases of A/H1N1 virus infection at U.S. Air Force Academy, 2009 [17]
Figure 5
Figure 5
A/H1N1 epi curve, timeline for outbreaks and clusters among U.S. service members and beneficiaries.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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