New flu [A(H1N1) 2009]: suspected case definition. Review of the concordance in case definition criteria used in the different autonomous communities of Spain

Introduction:

the present pandemia by a novel flu virus and its potential and uncertain effects on the population, have produced an extraordinary amount of actions at all levels. All arrangements are based on data of the pandemia situation. This paper approaches the concordance in the suspected case definition criteria of infection by the new virus among the Spanish autonomous communities (AA. CC.) and to discuss its possible impact on the validity of the cumulated information.

Material and methods:

documents and official protocols of the AA. CC. Health Departments on novel flu suspected case definition have been compiled, while being in force the recording and information system based on the comprehensive and individualized record of cases.

Results:

documents of 16 of the 17 AA. CC. (all but Cantabria and the autonomous towns of Ceuta and Melilla) have been found. All the variables that take part in the definition of case show outstanding differences among the AA. CC. studied; especially the criteria of fever (with various level thresholds) and the clinical manifestations of the flu-like syndrome.

Discussion:

there aren't two equal formulations of suspected case among the studied ones, what compromises the final validity of the cumulated data which are the basis for the analysis and arrangements made.

Keywords: Pandemic flu. Epidemiological surveillance.