Ramaz Mitaishvili, MD
1.1. Proposed Surveillance System
1.1.1. Passive Surveillance of Confirmed Cases
Laboratory confirmed influenza and influenza-associated deaths are reportable in the Georgia. Reports are received from physicians, hospitals, and laboratories. Both rapid test and culture positives are reported through this system.
1.1.2. Influenza-Like Illness Sentinel Reporting System
• Influenza-Like Illness Reporting: The sentinel sites report influenza-like illness (ILI) morbidity data directly to the PCDCP via internet or fax on a weekly basis. The weekly transmission includes the number of patients seen for ILI during the week in four age categories (0-5 years, 5-16 years, 16-24 years, 25-64 years and 65+ years) and the total number of patients seen for any reason during the week.
• Submission of Laboratory Samples: The sentinel sites are asked to submit nasal, nasopharyngeal, and/or throat swab specimens from a sample of their patients presenting with ILI to the Abkhazia public health facilities for influenza testing and typing. Both positive and negative results are reported to the PCDCP.
1.1.3. Pediatric Deaths
PCDCP investigates all reports of deaths in patients < 16 years old with evidence of influenza virus infection.
1.2. Laboratory Testing for Influenza
The PCDCP will provide 3 specimen collection kits and instructions to each of the sentinel providers to ensure the proper collection and transport of influenza specimens during the influenza season (October – March). These collections kits are prepackaged and shipped to the sentinel sites at the beginning of the influenza season, and are continually re-supplied to the sentinel provider as they submit specimens throughout the season. Also provided within each kit is a pre-addressed Federal Express (Fed Ex) label which allows the sentinel site to ship the specimens “postage paid” to the PCDCP.
