Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community-Based Epidemics

Description

Virginia ESSENCE contains visit data from emergency departments (EDs) and urgent care centers in Virginia. The data provide a near-real-time picture of community health. Participation in syndromic surveillance fluctuates over time but has increased overall in Virginia. In 2022, over 170 EDs and urgent care centers reported data to Virginia ESSENCE. 

How the Community can use the Data

The ESSENCE Dashboard helps community members, healthcare providers, and local organizations stay informed about emerging health trends and potential outbreaks in their area. By monitoring real-time data on symptoms and health events, users can make informed decisions to protect their health, support public health responses, and promote early action to reduce the spread of illness within their communities.

Data Limitations

The data is based on symptoms reported during healthcare visits (syndromic surveillance) rather than confirmed diagnoses, which may result in incomplete or nonspecific information. Not all healthcare facilities participate, so the data may not capture every health event across the state. Additionally, data is collected in near real-time and may be subject to updates or revisions as more information becomes available.