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. Detecting Mental Health Crisis Spikes After Natural DisastersNatural disasters can produce a rapid rise in psychological distress, acute stress reactions, sleep disruption, substance use, self-harm risk, and other urgent…
  2. Explore Arctic-Themed Slots Online With PinoCasinoThe search phrase “gokautomaten noordpool thema online spelen” captures a growing interest in online slot games inspired by icy landscapes, polar expeditions,…
  3. The Role Of E-Pharmacy Sales In Rural Syndromic SurveillanceRural communities can experience infectious disease activity before it becomes visible in laboratory reports or official case counts. Long travel distances,…
  4. Detecting Respiratory Syncytial Virus Outbreaks Through Emergency DataRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory illness, but its impact can change rapidly across age groups and communities. Infants, older…
  5. Syndromic surveillance for asthma exacerbations and air qualityAsthma exacerbations can rise quickly when people encounter fine particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, smoke, pollen, or other airborne irritants.…
  6. A Data-Informed Guide To Online Casino Offers Of Ten EurosSearches for “online casino tien euro gratis” reflect a growing interest in low-cost ways to explore digital gambling platforms. A ten-euro offer can sound…
  7. How Japanese municipalities share syndromic data for outbreak responseJapanese municipalities play a crucial role in turning scattered health signals into early warnings. Before laboratory results confirm an infectious disease,…
  8. Ambulance call volume spikes and severe influenza surveillanceWhen influenza activity intensifies, the earliest warning may come from a change in how often people seek urgent help rather than from a laboratory result. A…
  9. Detecting Heat-Related Stroke and Cardiovascular Events EarlierHeatwaves can push the cardiovascular system beyond its usual limits. High temperatures increase fluid loss, strain the heart, raise blood viscosity, and may…
  10. Western-Themed Online Slots for Dutch PlayersWestern-themed online slots bring together the atmosphere of the frontier, familiar cowboy imagery, and the quick format of modern digital casino games. For…

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.