A Snapshot of Situation Awareness: Using the NC DETECT System to Monitor the 2007 Heat Wave - Biosurveillance: Methods and Case Studies - page 325

collaboration allowed policy makers to quickly translate their needs to aca-
demics and programmers who could develop the appropriate filter to inves-
tigate heat admissions.
The story illustrates how emerging syndromic surveillance systems
represent complimentary enhancements of the traditional surveillance
systems and methods. Syndromic surveillance is inaccurately envisioned
by many as a cold and automated system designed to provide early detec-
tion of anticipated threats using specially developed computerized algo-
rithms. While syndromic surveillance systems can play this role, the
story of the NC DETECT system's use to track the heat wave of 2007 dem-
onstrates that these systems are living systems that could be integrated
into public health practice, used to challenge conventional wisdom, and
ask new questions.
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