Work

Real-time early warning system for infectious diseases: Implementation and experience in Czechia

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Issue/problem The global spread of infectious diseases poses a long-term threat to public health systems. COVID-19 revealed major gaps in real-time surveillance and data interoperability. In response, the Czech Republic launched a national digital project under the EU co-funded SCOPE IS initiative to build an integrated early warning system. Strengthening surveillance is crucial for preparedness in other countries. Description of the problem Following the shortcomings exposed during COVID-19, the goal is to create a new platform enabling real-time infectious disease notifications from GPs, paediatricians, hospitals, and laboratories through standardized REST APIs. The system builds on infrastructure used for COVID-19 vaccine tracking, ensuring rapid, automated data flow. Key questions addressed: how to achieve real-time integration across providers, ensure clinical relevance, and expand to multiple diseases. Results A major milestone is the national rollout of ARI/ILI surveillance, now covering about 90% of primary care providers. Automated data link to vaccination records, chronic conditions, and demographics, enabling consolidated reporting for public health planning. The system is being developed to integrate real-time data across care levels and types, supporting both outbreak detection and predictive modelling. Its modular design allows future expansion to other infectious diseases and adaptation to emerging public health threats. Lessons Close collaboration with frontline providers is crucial for usability and clinical relevance. Modular system architecture enables future adaptation to threats like antimicrobial resistance. These lessons are relevant for other countries aiming to modernize surveillance and strengthen preparedness. Key messages • Real-time early warning systems improve situational awareness and response to outbreaks. • Collaboration with healthcare providers ensures practical usability of digital surveillance systems.

Source: European Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaf161.1633