Work

Response to exceptional environmental situations: contributions of syndromic surveillance in France

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background Syndromic surveillance (SS) enables early detection of public health threats and population health monitoring. This work aimed to present tools prepared to assess short-term impact for exceptional environmental situations (EES) in France. Methods A literature review identified pathologies likely to occur after major environmental events. Corresponding syndromic indicators were selected from the French SS system (SurSaUD®), which includes emergency department (ED) visits (OSCOUR® network) and unplanned GP consultations (SOS Médecins [SOSM]). Lists of indicators were finalized through working groups and analysis of past experiences. Results Six priority EES were identified: storms, floods, wildfires, industrial accidents, earthquakes, and droughts. For each, 35–47 indicators (most of them being available for both OSCOUR® and SOSM) were classified into chapters such as digestive, respiratory, infectious diseases, and mental health. Three standard dashboard (DB) templates were developed to monitor short-term variations in the number of ED visits and SOSM medical acts, both all-cause and by indicator. Two DB allow monitoring daily variations compared to the 90 previous days for all ages (DB1) or by age groups (<15, ≥15) with supporting numerical data (DB2). The 3rd DB assesses weekly trend for all ages to enable longer-term analysis. DBs are configurable for different geographic areas and can be set up on the event day (D0) for automatic next-morning production. Additional tools map the residential areas of patients who usually visit each ED and provide typical data completeness at D + 1, aiding in the definition of surveillance areas and data interpretation. Advanced procedures include tagging event-related ED visits and SOSM consultations using predefined associated diagnostic codes. Conclusions DBs enable reactive health monitoring during EES, supporting decision-makers in implementing health management measures alongside other data sources. Key messages • Dashboards based on syndromic surveillance data are reactive tools for monitoring population health during major environmental events. • The system’s operability depends on clear preparedness and procedures within a broader health monitoring framework involving multiple stakeholders.

Source: European Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckag169.811