Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome is a viral infection that presents as a painful flu-like syndrome accompanied by signs of kidney failure, with a generally favorable prognosis. The virus reservoir is the red-backed vole, found throughout France. Humans become infected by inhaling viral particles present in the rodents’ excreta or, more rarely, through bites. HRSF may occur in an epidemic cycle of approximately three years. Four major outbreaks have been recorded, with 230 cases reported. Epidemiological surveillance of the disease, conducted for several years by the National Reference Center, was strengthened during the last quarter of 2001 with the assistance of the Cire Est in order to more accurately describe the characteristics of the epidemic outbreak expected between the end of 2001 and 2002. An evaluation of the surveillance system was conducted to assess its performance. The analysis covered 80 cases reported by the NRC, 19 from October to December 2001 and 61 in 2002. The collection of epidemiological data covered 58 cases, representing 72% of all cases identified by the NRC. All cases were located in the northeastern quarter of France, with the Picardy region being the most affected, accounting for 29% of cases. Clinically, the cases were characterized by the presence of a febrile pain syndrome with external hemorrhagic manifestations, accompanied by thrombocytopenia and impaired renal function. A higher number of cases (19 cases) was reported during the last quarter of 2001 and, to a lesser extent (14 cases), during the last quarter of 2002. The identified occupational and non-occupational risk factors were more frequently cited in the agricultural and forestry sectors. An evaluation of the surveillance system after one year of operation highlighted the difficulty of early case detection and the cumbersome nature of the information transmission process. It is proposed that the CNR continue to carry out the epidemiological surveillance of FHSR and that the investigation of clusters identified by the CNR be coordinated by the InVS and conducted by the Cires in the relevant departments.