Syndromic Surveillance logo mark in white on red background
Contact
Abstract blurred pattern of data points and network nodes in deep red and dark gray tones, conveying public health monitoring

Infectious Disease Early Warning

An early detection system for infectious diseases, integrating data from outpatient clinics, hospitals, ambulance transport, pharmacies, schools, nursery schools, and elderly care facilities across Japan.

Explore the System
Abstract circular icon representing public health, white cross on deep red background
Multi-Channel Data

Eight surveillance channels including outpatient, inpatient, ambulance, OTC pharmacy, nursery school, school absenteeism, elderly facilities, and laboratory testing.

A minimalist public health emblem in deep crimson and white, suggesting vigilance and early detection
Early Detection

Syndromic surveillance identifies unusual patterns before laboratory confirmation, enabling faster public health responses to emerging outbreaks.

A clean, minimalist emblem in white on a deep red background, suggesting a stylized radar pulse or concentric signal waves
Event Monitoring

Enhanced surveillance was conducted at major mass gatherings including the Hokkaido Toyako Summit 2008, APEC Yokohama 2010, and COP10 Nagoya 2010.

How Syndromic Surveillance Works

Syndromic surveillance monitors health-related data in near real-time to detect signals of infectious disease outbreaks before conventional diagnosis-based systems. By tracking symptoms and proxy indicators — such as school absenteeism, pharmacy dispensing, and ambulance transports — public health authorities can identify anomalies and respond earlier.

Soft-focus overhead view of a map with muted blue and gray tones, overlaid with subtle red and amber heatmap patches

Surveillance Channels

Syndromic surveillance in Japan draws on a broad range of data sources, each contributing a distinct signal for outbreak detection. These channels collectively provide a comprehensive picture of community health status, from clinical settings to everyday community indicators.

  • Outpatient (外来) — clinic visit symptom data
  • Inpatient (入院) — hospital admission surveillance
  • Ambulance Transport (救急車搬送) — emergency call patterns
  • OTC Pharmacy (OTC) — over-the-counter medication sales
  • Nursery School (保育園) — preschool absenteeism tracking
  • School Absenteeism (学校欠席) — nationwide school-based system
  • Elderly Facilities (高齢者施設) — care-home health monitoring
  • Laboratory Testing (検査) — test-ordering pattern analysis
Abstract map of Japan divided into prefectural regions, shaded in a gradient from pale gray through amber to deep red, indicating surveillance coverage intensity
School Absenteeism System

As of January 2016, approximately 23,618 schools across 25 prefectures, 6 designated cities, and 2 special wards — covering about 53% of elementary, junior high, and high schools nationwide.

Close-up of data charts and graphs on a desk, warm amber and deep navy tones
Pharmacy Surveillance

Daily influenza estimates derived from anti-influenza drug dispensing data across 10,064 participating pharmacies, with prefecture-level and designated-city breakdowns from the 2009/2010 through 2014/2015 seasons.

Blog

  1. Early Warning For Gastroenteritis Aboard Cruise ShipsCruise ships create an unusual environment for infectious disease monitoring. Thousands of passengers and crew members share dining rooms, accommodation areas,…
  2. How Syndromic Surveillance Can Reveal Early Vaccine Failure SignalsVaccination programs are designed to reduce infection, severe illness, and transmission across a population. Yet protection can weaken or become uneven for…
  3. Detecting Hospital Outbreaks Before Laboratory ConfirmationNosocomial infections can spread through wards, staff teams, equipment, and shared facilities before a pathogen is identified. By the time laboratory…
  4. Using Syndromic Data to Strengthen Outbreak Response ReviewsAn after action review examines how an outbreak was detected, assessed, managed, and communicated. It asks whether public-health teams had the right…
  5. A faster way to explore casino games with Web3 wallet accessDigital casino play is becoming more convenient for Australian users who want flexible payments, mobile access, and a broad choice of games in one place. The…
  6. Finding A Better Casino Alternative Near Protocol CasinoOnline casino searches often begin with a specific brand, comparison phrase, or payment preference. Someone searching for “casino near protocol casino” may be…
  7. Heaps O Wins Brings A Clearer View To Online Casino PromotionsFor Australian players comparing online casino brands, promotional detail can matter as much as game selection. A welcome bonus may look attractive at first…
  8. Reading Dolphin Treasure bonus terms with a surveillance mindsetGood decisions often begin with the same discipline used in public-health monitoring: collect signals from several sources, separate meaningful information…
  9. Baccarat Tiger Side Bet Guide For Smarter Casino PlayBaccarat is known for its simple format, quick rounds, and clear Player and Banker wagers. The Tiger side bet adds another layer of excitement by offering a…
  10. Australia Roulette Bonus Offers With Clearer TermsAustralian players searching for a roulette promotion are often comparing more than a headline percentage. The real value of an online casino offer depends on…

Technical Support

For inquiries about the syndromic surveillance systems, including the school absenteeism information collection system and pharmacy surveillance:

Contact: Yasushi Ohkusa, Senior Researcher

Institution: Infectious Disease Epidemiology Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases

FAX: 03-5285-1129

Email: ohkusa@nih.go.jp

All inquiries accepted by FAX or email only. For school absenteeism system login issues, please contact your municipal board of education or childcare division.