Enhanced Viral Hepatitis Surveillance

Brief Summary:
BACKGROUND: In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Viral Hepatitis funded 7 sites (Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington, and) to conduct active, enhanced surveillance for viral hepatitis.  Enhanced surveillance involves the collection of more extensive and complete information than is possible through the current passive reporting system, the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System.  The 7 sites collect and report data to CDC through Secure Access Management Services (SAMS).   Under the Funding Opportunity Announcement, and in collaboration with CDC, the sites are also charged with developing and implementing methods, guidelines, and standards for conducting enhanced surveillance of acute and chronic viral hepatitis, as well as developing and implementing special projects to further enhance the reporting process.  Regular meetings between CDC and the funded sites are an integral part of the collaboration.  BRIEF SUMMARY: Staff from the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) staff will present findings from quality control analyses of surveillance data submitted to CDC by funded sites to date and address questions about administrative and funding aspects of the cooperative agreement.  State and local epidemiologists from funded sites will be encouraged to share their experiences with regard to ongoing surveillance activities such as the impact of new recommendations for HCV testing of “baby boomers” and the ability to measure linkage to care.  Staff from DVH and state/local epidemiologists will discuss and plan next steps for collaborative projects.  Information shared by state and local viral hepatitis surveillance programs will be used to guide current and future activities of DVH and the States.