South-East Asia Regional Conference on Epidemiology

<strong>South</strong>-<strong>East</strong> <strong>Asia</strong> <strong>Regional</strong> <strong>Conference</strong> on Epidemiology | 269
of pathogens , quality control , maintenance of capacity to produce data and oversee flow of data for
all the labs under lab network were also outlined by NCDC. Linkages with the WHO focal point and
international networks and participation in the national surveillance system were established.
7. Contact tracing under IDSP
Contact tracing was done through the state units of IDSP. A self-help monitoring proforma wasdeveloped
for contact tracing, which was used widely.
8. Enhanced surveillance
All states were alerted to heighten the level of ILI surveillance. Immediate reporting of clusters ofILI
and that of pneumonia through IDSP state units was initiated. Central and state rapid response teams
were formed for investigation and management of suspected outbreaks. Medical practitioners were
sensitized through print media to report any cluster of Influenza Like I llnessto a toll-free telephone
number or the outbreak monitoring cell in NCDC, Delhi (Fig.1).
9. Route for action on alert through IDSP call centre
During the outbreak, a 24X7 call centre and a toll-free number were functional to receive any alerts
regarding H1N1 in the country. Total 36918 number of calls were received by this alert system .
BMOH : Block Medical Officer of Health
Fig.1: Surveillance alerts about influenza-like illness