Influenza Like Illness (ILI) in Colleges and Universities
Project Description
The ACHA Pandemic Influenza Surveillance Project was implemented to better understand pandemic influenza activity on college campuses. This web based survey, ACHA Influenza Like Illness (ILI) Surveillance in Colleges and Universities - Fall 2009, relies on voluntary participation of colleges and universities nationwide. Weekly reports of new cases of ILI (CDC ILI case definition) [ICD-CM Diagnosis 487.1] are compiled in a central database. When available, supplemental data is also reported by participants such as gender, age categories 17-24 years old and over 24 years old, cases hospitalized, and influenza related deaths. Initially, 165 colleges/universities reported data for the first weekly period (August 22-28, 2009). More schools may be added as classes commence in the fall of 2009. Data is reported by state and region and institutional identity will remain confidential.
ILI new cases are tabulated from among the eligible population served by each institution's health service. Cases are included if seen and managed at the college/university health centers, including cases triaged and managed by telephone. Cases reported to health services from local emergency departments or urgent care centers are also included.
The data are updated and reported on the ACHA website weekly. Rates of new cases per 10,000 eligible individuals are reported by state and HHS region. Total new cases per week, the number of colleges/universities participating per week and the total reported eligible population served. Cumulative cases are presented separately, including peak attack rates per 10,000 population served, and the week of peak attack occurrence.
These reports represent data from participating schools only. Some states will have no participating institutions, but will experience ILI cases. Some participating schools may also report cases separately to local, state and federal influenza surveillance projects. Therefore aggregate ACHA surveillance data should not be added to other surveillance reports.
