What data are collected, stored and presented for public view?
Only aggregated data are collected and presented for public view, protecting the anonymity of reporting jurisdictions and their residents, while still supporting effective analysis of trends in infection spread and severity of illness. To this end, five data variables are considered: 1. Date of encounter 2. First three digits of patient zip code (or facility, if patient information is not available) 3. Age group of patient 4. Indicator (syndrome or measure) 5. Count (representing number of visits for indicator for age group, three-digit zip code and date; this variable can be worked around if there are significant concerns about the anonymity of aggregate data based on this information) There are two additional data variables that are collected if they are available, to serve as indicators of severity of illness: 1. Disposition of ED visit 2.
