Influenza, or flu, is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. In Hong Kong, it normally reaches peak prevalence in summer and winter. When influenza outbreaks occur, it usually spreads too fast to be contained, leading to social disruption. That is the reason behind a new concept called community surveillance of flu, which is meant to complement governmental surveillance, facilitating early warning, prompt response and community preparedness. Common in European countries and Australia, the concept is now introduced to Hong Kong. 


The Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases of CUHK has established an electronic platform called E-community Surveillance System, or EcSS, to support the community surveillance of flu. The system sends a weekly e-mail alert to registered persons, asking them to answer a few simple questions about flu symptoms. With the data thus collected, EcSS researchers can conduct epidemiologic analyses, track transmissions, and predict spread patterns of flu. Information will be uploaded to the EcSS website and used to produce research reports. 


'Conventional influenza surveillance involves collection of data from hospitals and clinics, which takes a long time before reporting is made,' said Prof. Lee Shui-shan of the centre. 'With the popularity in the use of smartphones, people in the community can be directly inquired about their flu symptoms, significantly shortening the lead time of surveillance.' One community participant of the surveillance network remarked, 'EcSS is easy to operate. And it’s meaningful to contribute my bit to flu monitoring.' 


The success of community influenza surveillance depends on the sustained participation of the community. The centre wants to expand the surveillance network and invites members of the public to join EcSS as surveillance correspondents by logging into www.ecss.hk. A mobile version is also available. The system has been operational since 1 August 2011.