When it Rains it Pours: Real-time Situational Awareness for Two Weather Emergencies in Connecticut

Authors

  • Kristen Soto Epidemiology, Connecticut Department of Public Health
  • Jaime Krasnitski Epidemiology, Connecticut Department of Public Health
  • Therese Rabatsky-Ehr Epidemiology, Connecticut Department of Public Health
  • Matthew Cartter Epidemiology, Connecticut Department of Public Health

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5210/ojphi.v5i1.4464

Abstract

During 2011 Connecticut was impacted by two major weather events. The Hospital Emergency Department Syndromic Surveillance System (HEDSS) was utilized to provide real-time situational awareness during the response and recovery phases of both storm events. Increased emergency department utilization for carbon monoxide exposure, asthma, and hypothermia were observed. HEDSS data were likely an underestimation of true disease/injury in the community following the storm events. HEDSS should continue to be used, in conjunction with other existing surveillance systems, for near real-time situational monitoring during public health emergencies.

Author Biography

Kristen Soto, Epidemiology, Connecticut Department of Public Health

Kristen Soto, MPH, is the field epidemiologist for the Northwest region at the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH). In her role as field epidemiologist, Kristen is the liaison between DPH and Local Health Departments for communicable disease follow-up and control including: acute disease outbreaks, enteric diseases, and public health emergencies. She maintains the Hospital Emergency Department Syndromic Surveillance (HEDSS) System.

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Published

2013-03-29

How to Cite

Soto, K., Krasnitski, J., Rabatsky-Ehr, T., & Cartter, M. (2013). When it Rains it Pours: Real-time Situational Awareness for Two Weather Emergencies in Connecticut. Online Journal of Public Health Informatics, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.5210/ojphi.v5i1.4464

Issue

Section

Oral Presentations: Weather, Environmental, and Vector-borne