What is disease surveillance?

Disease surveillance is an information-based activity involving the collection, analysis and interpretation of large volumes of data originating from a variety of sources.

The information collated is then used in a number of ways to

• Evaluate the effectiveness of control and preventative health measures
• Monitor changes in infectious agents e.g. trends in development of antimicrobial resistance
• Support health planning and the allocation of appropriate resources within the healthcare system.
• Identify high risk populations or areas to target interventions
• Provide a valuable archive of disease activity for future reference.

To be effective, the collection of surveillance data must be standardized on a national basis and be made available at local, regional and national level. HPSC is an essential communication point in forecasting and responding to disease outbreaks and incidents of regional, national and international significance.

Computerised Infectious Disease Reporting in Ireland
Computerised Infectious Disease Reporting (CIDR) is an information system developed to manage the surveillance and control of infectious diseases in Ireland.

CIDR is a shared national information system for the CIDR partners - the former health boards, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, the Food Safety Promotion Board and the Department of Health.

Last updated: 16 August 2019