Headlines - 1st SurSaUD® / ASTER Scientific Conference

Ten years after the implementation of the SurSaUD® (Health Surveillance of Emergency Room Visits and Deaths) and ASTER (Real-Time Alert and Surveillance) syndromic surveillance systems, the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (InVS) and the Center for Epidemiology and Public Health of the Armed Forces (CESPA) are joining forces to bring together all the partners whose commitment and dedication have made these systems a success (including emergency room physicians, Regional Emergency Observatories, SAMU, SOS Médecins associations, Regional Health Agencies), in order to build on the experience gained and prepare for the future. These systems have indeed proven their value for public health surveillance: near-real-time assessment of the effects of consuming melamine-contaminated milk from China in 2008, epiglottitis cases in the Rhône-Alpes region in 2013, the resurgence of mumps, and the emergence of the new MERS-CoV coronavirus in 2013; monitoring trends in seasonal epidemics (bronchiolitis, gastroenteritis, influenza, etc.) or surveillance of large gatherings (the 2008 Rugby World Cup, the 2011 G8 and G20 summits, the 2012 London Olympics, the 2013 Rouen Armada, etc.); assessment of the impact of industrial accidents (Dunkirk 2009, Rouen 2013) or extreme environmental conditions (heat waves/cold snaps, the 2010 Var floods, the 2013 cyclone in Réunion, the 2010 volcanic eruption in Iceland), etc. The expertise accumulated in data processing makes it possible to consider refining statistical analysis methods, developing scientific applications, and undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of the system. The future is oriented toward opening up to other data sources (such as those from Samu-Centre 15), other technologies, but also toward continuing the European commitment: since September 2010, the Triple-S project has inventoried existing syndromic systems, proposed guidelines, and a European strategy for their development.These scientific conferences will take place on November 20–21, 2014, at the Val-de-Grâce School. The first day will provide an opportunity to share feedback on the use of the two surveillance systems through scientific presentations. The second day will focus on user expectations regarding public health decision-making and on future development prospects (collaborations, new partnerships).