Implementing the integrated sentinel surveillance of influenza and other respiratory viruses of epidemic and pandemic potential by the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System: standards and operational guidance
Loading...
Date
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
World Health Organization
Abstract
Description
ix, 66 p.
Integrated surveillance within the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) expands the scope of influenza surveillance to include other respiratory viruses with epidemic or pandemic potential, particularly SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This standards and operational guidance provides a framework for strengthening national sentinel surveillance systems through the systematic collection of clinical specimens, laboratory testing, genomic sequencing, epidemiological analysis and data sharing. The document supports countries in implementing year-round integrated surveillance as part of broader respiratory disease monitoring and health emergency preparedness efforts. The guidance defines primary and secondary surveillance objectives and presents recommendations on case definitions, sampling strategies, sentinel site selection, specimen collection and transport, laboratory testing algorithms, biosafety, virus sharing, genomic sequencing, data management and system evaluation. It outlines minimum surveillance standards for monitoring trends in respiratory virus activity, characterizing circulating viruses and informing public health action, while allowing countries to adapt implementation according to national priorities, capacities and resources. Emphasis is placed on the collection of high-quality epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data, the integration of surveillance platforms, and the generation of evidence to support preparedness, response and resilience against respiratory disease threats.
Integrated surveillance within the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) expands the scope of influenza surveillance to include other respiratory viruses with epidemic or pandemic potential, particularly SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This standards and operational guidance provides a framework for strengthening national sentinel surveillance systems through the systematic collection of clinical specimens, laboratory testing, genomic sequencing, epidemiological analysis and data sharing. The document supports countries in implementing year-round integrated surveillance as part of broader respiratory disease monitoring and health emergency preparedness efforts. The guidance defines primary and secondary surveillance objectives and presents recommendations on case definitions, sampling strategies, sentinel site selection, specimen collection and transport, laboratory testing algorithms, biosafety, virus sharing, genomic sequencing, data management and system evaluation. It outlines minimum surveillance standards for monitoring trends in respiratory virus activity, characterizing circulating viruses and informing public health action, while allowing countries to adapt implementation according to national priorities, capacities and resources. Emphasis is placed on the collection of high-quality epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data, the integration of surveillance platforms, and the generation of evidence to support preparedness, response and resilience against respiratory disease threats.
Keywords
SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, Betacoronavirus, Disease Outbreaks, Pandemics, Influenza, Human, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human, Sentinel Surveillance, Epidemiological Monitoring, Public Health Surveillance, Biosecurity, Containment of Biohazards, Data Management, Data Collection, Algorithms, Metadata, Sample Size, Form, Guideline, standards, statistics and numerical data