Abstract
Early detection of a novel strain (genotype) of influenza
virus in the NSW population is the key to controlling a
pandemic. If this occurs, ongoing surveillance will help
determine the epidemiology and risk factors of the virus
as well as its impact on essential services. Important
components of surveillance preparedness in NSW include:
border surveillance; hospital-based screening for suspected
cases; protocols for efficient transport and testing of viral
specimens; flexible, robust electronic tools for rapid
surveillance data collection; management and reporting;
and creation of surveillance surge capacity.
